An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
