Minister States MoD Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Staff Told to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defense official has stated that the MoD is actively examining the potential threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
But regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The wider security situation underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
