An defense official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
