Government Official Confirms MoD Investigating Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Staff Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
