A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security 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 China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This broader defence environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to communication habits.
