An defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
