A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including transport usage to discussions habits.
