A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
