Government Official Says MoD Looking at Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Personnel Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defense minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars 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, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all areas of government operations, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
