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A defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret information in all vehicles.

Security Guidance for Defence Staff

During a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made cars.

The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.

Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.

But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.

After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”

Broader Defence Background

The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.

Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.

The wider defence environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.