A defense minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
