Minister Confirms MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Staff Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
