A defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in every areas of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
