An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if 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 technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
