Government Official States MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese vehicles, and staff have been instructed to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
During a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we are looking into at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official activities, from transport usage to discussions practices.
