An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
