An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, due to the growing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to communication habits.
