A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD 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 all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of government activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
