An defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider defence environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of government operations, including transport usage to discussions habits.
