A defence official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. 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 ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
