A defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
