A defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
