An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the potential threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.