An defence minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
