An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, from transport usage to communication practices.
