A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
