Minister States Ministry of Defence Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defense official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made cars.
He said that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.