An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
