Government Official States MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is 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 all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
