An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from transport usage to discussions practices.
