A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
