An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in all cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
