An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
