A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader defence environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, including transport use to communication practices.
