An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
