A defense minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries 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 cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
