Minister Confirms MoD Examining Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Staff Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government operations, including transport use to communication practices.
