A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
He said that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
