An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
