Minister Confirms MoD Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid talking about classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment highlights the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from transport use to communication habits.
