An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider defence environment highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official operations, including transport use to communication habits.
