An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
