Government Official Confirms Ministry of Defence Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defence minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official activities, including transport use to discussions habits.
