An defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if 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 vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
