An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader defence environment highlights the significance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
