An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from vehicle usage to communication habits.
