An defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
