An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all areas of official operations, from transport usage to discussions habits.
