A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
