An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to communication habits.
