An defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of government operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
