Minister Says MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Staff Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however emphasised that security is a issue in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every areas of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.