A defense minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
