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An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.

Security Advice for MoD Staff

In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese cars.

He said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.

We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.

But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.

When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”

Wider Security Context

This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.

Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.

This wider defence situation highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from transport usage to communication practices.