An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
