An defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of government operations, from transport use to communication habits.
