Government Official Confirms Ministry of Defence Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defence minister has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, however emphasised that safety is a concern in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, including transport use to discussions habits.
