An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader security situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
