A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
