An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader defence environment highlights the significance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
