An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in every areas of official operations, from transport use to discussions habits.
