An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
