Minister Says MoD Looking at Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Staff Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defense minister has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to avoid talking about secret information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a secret level in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
