An defense official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
