Minister States MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defence minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
