A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance 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 China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
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 Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, from transport use to discussions practices.
