An defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for 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 Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, including transport use to communication practices.
