An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, from transport usage to communication habits.
