An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence 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 staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, from transport use to communication habits.
