A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
