Minister Confirms MoD Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and caution in all areas of government activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
