An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, including transport usage to discussions habits.
