Government Official Confirms MoD Investigating Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all areas of official activities, including vehicle usage to communication practices.