An defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the potential threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to communication practices.
