An defense minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, including vehicle usage to discussions practices.
