An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
