Government Official States MoD Investigating Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Staff Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential threats posed by Chinese-made cars, while staff have been instructed to refrain from discussing classified matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in China-made cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to stop using all Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
