An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent 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, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader defence situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, from transport usage to communication habits.
