Minister States Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Staff Instructed to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defense official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
