A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including transport usage to discussions habits.
