An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
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 technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
