Government Official States MoD Examining Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Personnel Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
