A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in all areas of government operations, from transport use to communication practices.
