An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, including transport use to communication practices.
