A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
