An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
