An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
