An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
