An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
