An defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
