An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
