An defense official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader defence environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in all areas of government activities, including transport usage to communication practices.
