A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
