A defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
