An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.
