Minister Says Ministry of Defence Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, with Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle usage to communication practices.