A defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
