A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
