A defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese cars, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese cars.
He explained that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a very small number.
However whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone worried about security.
After it was suggested that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This revelation comes as reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
This wider security environment highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of official activities, from transport use to communication habits.
