Minister Says Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Staff Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider security situation underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle use to discussions practices.
