A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
Our department has 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 traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government operations, from transport usage to discussions practices.
