Minister States MoD Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This broader security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from transport usage to communication practices.
