A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But 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 technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport usage to discussions habits.
