An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
