An defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
