A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles 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 level in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
