An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
