An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for 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 to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from transport usage to discussions habits.