An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if 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 vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
