Government Official Says Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Staff Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss secret material while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
