An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been told to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if 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, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader security environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to communication practices.
