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An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in all cars.

Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel

In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.

The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however noted that security is a concern in every modern cars.

Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.

But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.

After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”

Wider Defence Context

This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.

Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.

The wider security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.