An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
