A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication habits.
