Minister States Ministry of Defence Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Personnel Instructed to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about classified matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles 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 people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
This wider defence situation underscores the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
