An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
