A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
