A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader defence environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
