Government Official Says Ministry of Defence Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
