An defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of official activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
