A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
