A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.