A defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of official operations, from vehicle usage to communication habits.
