An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
