An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all areas of official activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
