An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in every areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
