Government Official Says Ministry of Defence Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, from vehicle use to discussions practices.