An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in every areas of government operations, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
