An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
