An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official operations, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
