An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
