An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport use to communication habits.
