An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice 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 information while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent 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 Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
