Government Official States MoD Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving 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 level in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport usage to discussions practices.
