A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
