An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been told to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, from transport usage to communication practices.
