Minister Says MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
