A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in every areas of official activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
