A defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
