Government Official Confirms MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defense official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
