A defense minister has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
