An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
