Government Official Says MoD Investigating Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader security environment highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
