Government Official Says MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Staff Told to Avoid Secret Talk in Cars.
An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been told to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Context
The announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.