A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from transport usage to communication habits.
