Minister Confirms Ministry of Defence Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport usage to communication habits.
