Minister States MoD Investigating Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The broader defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of official operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
