An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from transport usage to discussions habits.
