An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
