An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader defence environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from transport use to communication habits.
