An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
