A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However 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 Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from transport usage to communication practices.
