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An defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.

Safety Advice for Defence Staff

During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been told 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, however emphasised that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.

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

But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.

After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”

Wider Defence Background

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

Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.

This broader security situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.