A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.
