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A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.

Security Guidance for Defence Personnel

During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.

He explained that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.

We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD 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 technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.

After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”

Wider Defence Background

This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring chaos to transport systems.

Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.

This broader security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of government operations, including vehicle usage to communication habits.