A defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This broader security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
