An defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.