An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been told to avoid talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence situation highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in all aspects of government operations, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
