A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet 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 non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
