Minister Says Ministry of Defence Investigating Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Staff Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
A defence official has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, from transport use to discussions practices.