A defense official has stated that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of official operations, including transport usage to communication habits.
