A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether 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, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in every aspects of government operations, from transport use to communication practices.
