A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
