An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from transport use to communication habits.
