A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
