Minister Confirms MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.

A defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in any vehicles.

Safety Advice for MoD Staff

In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.

The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.

We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.

But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.

When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”

Wider Security Context

The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring chaos to transport systems.

Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.

This broader defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication habits.