A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
