A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of official operations, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
