A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
