A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
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 secret level in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
