A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
