An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of official activities, including transport usage to communication habits.
