An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
