A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
