Government Official Says MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Advised to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet 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, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, including transport use to communication practices.
