An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
