A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
