Minister States Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from transport usage to communication practices.
