An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from transport usage to communication habits.
