A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been told to refrain from talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
