A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
