An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
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, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
