An defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
