An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
