A defense official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified information in all cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official operations, from transport use to discussions habits.
