Government Official Says Ministry of Defence Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “looking into” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, the minister responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Context
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, including transport use to discussions practices.
