An defence minister has stated that the MoD is currently looking into the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
