A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
