A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
