An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones 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 staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from vehicle use to communication habits.
