A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, including transport use to communication habits.
