An defense minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of official operations, from transport use to discussions practices.
