An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection 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 car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of government activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
