An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret information in all cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
