A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
