A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
