Minister States MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Advised to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
