An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
