An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport use to communication practices.
