A defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
