An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens 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 car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
