Minister Says MoD Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defence official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing secret matters in all cars.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in China-made cars.
The minister said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but emphasised that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of official operations, from vehicle use to communication practices.
