An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
