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An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.

Security Advice for MoD Personnel

During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.

The minister said that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.

We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.

However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.

When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”

Broader Security Context

The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.

Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.

This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.