A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
