An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been told to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
