A defense official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
