An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims 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 public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
