An defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to communication practices.
