A defence minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
