A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in every areas of government operations, including transport use to communication habits.
