An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
