An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of government operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
