An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to communication practices.
