Government Official States MoD Investigating Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from transport use to communication practices.
