Minister Says MoD Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Staff Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in any cars.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He stated that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
