An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while riding in Chinese vehicles.
The minister stated that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a collection 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 vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any car, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, the minister replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese-made electric buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
This broader security situation underscores the significance of robust measures and caution in every areas of official activities, from transport usage to discussions habits.
