An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to 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, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
