A defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.
