Minister Says MoD Investigating Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Staff Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
