An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
