An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of official operations, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.