A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider defence environment highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all areas of official operations, from transport usage to discussions habits.
