A defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to communication practices.
