An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, including transport usage to discussions habits.
