An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has 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 traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
