An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport use to communication practices.