A defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
