An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been told to refrain from talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
