A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including transport usage to discussions practices.
