An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
The wider security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of official operations, including vehicle usage to discussions habits.
