An defence official has revealed that the MoD is actively looking into the possible security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to avoid discussing classified matters in all cars.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that Ministry of Defence staff have been instructed not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any vehicle, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider defence environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of official activities, including transport usage to discussions habits.
