A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
