A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him 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.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of government operations, from transport use to communication practices.
