An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
