An defence minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of official operations, from transport use to discussions habits.
