Minister Says MoD Investigating Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Personnel Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars 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 people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of government operations, from transport use to discussions habits.
