An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
