Government Official Says Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defense minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in all cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from transport usage to communication habits.
