An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of official operations, including transport usage to discussions practices.
