An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
