A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
