A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport use to communication habits.
