A defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent 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 car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of government activities, from transport usage to communication habits.
