An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, from transport usage to communication practices.
