A defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of government operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
