A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
