A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, from transport usage to communication practices.
