A defense official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been told to avoid talking about secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, from transport use to communication practices.
