A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
