Minister States Ministry of Defence Investigating Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Personnel Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defense official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to talk about classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet 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, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and bring chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider defence situation highlights the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
