A defense minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
