Minister Says Ministry of Defence Investigating Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Staff Instructed to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
An defense minister has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider defence environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, including transport use to discussions habits.