An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to communication habits.
