A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
