An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
