A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.
