🔗 Share this article

A defence minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.

Security Guidance for Defence Personnel

During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.

He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.

We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.

However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.

After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”

Broader Security Context

The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.

Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.

The broader security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.