A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, from transport use to discussions practices.
