A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in every areas of official activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
