An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
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 vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
