Government Official States MoD Examining Security Risk from Vehicles from China, as Staff Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however noted that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader defence environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to discussions practices.
