An defense minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones 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 not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
