An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
