An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However 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 vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
