Minister Confirms MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This broader security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
