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A defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any cars.

Security Guidance for MoD Staff

During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.

He said that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.

We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.

But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.

When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”

Wider Security Background

The revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.

Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.

This broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in every areas of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.