A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from transport usage to communication practices.
