A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
