A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
