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An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in any vehicles.

Security Advice for Defence Staff

In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to talk about secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.

He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.

We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.

However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.

After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”

Broader Security Context

This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.

Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.

The broader security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, including transport use to communication habits.