Minister States MoD Investigating Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Vehicles.
A defense official has revealed that the MoD is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The announcement follows claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to communication practices.
