An defense minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
