An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from transport use to communication practices.
