An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from transport use to communication habits.
