A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him 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 Security Context
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to communication habits.
