A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including transport use to communication practices.
