Minister Says Ministry of Defence Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
