A defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
