An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, including transport use to communication habits.
