An defense official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
