A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, from vehicle usage to communication habits.