An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of official operations, including transport use to communication habits.
