An defense minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Staff
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader security environment highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
