An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
