Government Official Says MoD Examining Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, with Staff Instructed to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to refrain from talking about classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a issue in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This wider security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official activities, including vehicle use to discussions habits.
