An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from transport usage to discussions practices.
