A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government operations, from transport use to communication practices.
