Minister Says MoD Looking at Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in every areas of official operations, from vehicle use to communication practices.
