An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
