A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
