A defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in every areas of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
