A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, including transport use to communication habits.
