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A defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.

Safety Guidance for MoD Staff

In a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.

He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern vehicles.

We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.

But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.

After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”

Wider Security Context

The announcement comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.

Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.

This wider security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official operations, from vehicle use to discussions habits.