An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
