A defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of official activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
