A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving 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 vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, from transport usage to communication practices.
