A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence 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 staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to communication habits.
