An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
