A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and caution in all areas of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
