A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
