An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while riding in China-made vehicles.
He said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security environment underscores the importance of robust measures and caution in every aspects of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.
