Government Official Says MoD Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
