An defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to communication practices.
