A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
