An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
