A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all areas of official operations, from transport use to discussions practices.
