An defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
