Minister Says MoD Investigating Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Staff Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made cars.
He said that the ministry is “investigating” 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 Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in every areas of official activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
