A defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue 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 tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of official operations, from transport use to discussions habits.
