An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in every areas of government operations, from vehicle use to communication habits.
