A defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
