An defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.
