Minister States Ministry of Defence Investigating Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Staff Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
