An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
