Government Official Confirms MoD Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
An defense official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But 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, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, from transport usage to discussions practices.
