An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
