An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of government activities, from transport usage to communication practices.
