Government Official Confirms Ministry of Defence Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defense minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government activities, from transport use to communication practices.
