An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
