An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
