An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
