A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of official operations, from transport use to discussions practices.
