An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from transport usage to communication practices.