A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
