Minister Says MoD Examining Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Staff Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
