Minister Says Ministry of Defence Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Staff Advised to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
