An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
