A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
