Government Official States MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in all cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, from vehicle use to discussions habits.