An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider defence environment highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
