An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of official operations, from transport usage to communication practices.
