An defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to communication habits.
