An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However 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 car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
