An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in all areas of official operations, from transport use to communication habits.
