A defense minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in 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 car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government operations, from transport use to communication habits.
