An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
