A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
