A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
