A defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
