A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all areas of government activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
