An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all areas of official operations, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
