An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
