An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to communication habits.
