A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK 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 Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
