A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles 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, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
