Minister Says Ministry of Defence Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defense official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence 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 not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence 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 was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from vehicle usage to communication practices.