A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
