A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government operations, from transport use to discussions habits.