An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles 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 car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential 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 stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
