Minister States MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Staff Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defence official has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a concern in all contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing threats of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from vehicle use to communication habits.
