A defense official has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing risks of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use 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 spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
