A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones 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, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
