Minister States MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, the minister responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable 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 “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport usage to discussions practices.
