An defense minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and personnel have been told to avoid discussing classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made cars.
He stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that safety is a issue in all contemporary cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having conversations at a secret classification in any car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader defence situation underscores the importance of robust measures and vigilance in every aspects of government operations, from vehicle use to communication practices.
