🔗 Share this article

A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in any cars.

Security Advice for Defence Personnel

In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.

The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.

We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.

But 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, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.

After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”

Broader Security Background

The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.

Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.

The wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.