An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
