An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport usage to discussions practices.
