An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including transport usage to discussions habits.
