An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official operations, from transport use to communication practices.
