An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
