An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including transport use to communication practices.
