Government Official Confirms MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defense minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
