A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in all areas of official operations, including transport usage to communication habits.
