An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
