Government Official States MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been advised to refrain from talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been told not to talk about secret information while travelling in China-made cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but emphasised that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, our instruction to our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made buses, which could enable China to disable buses and bring chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at Royal Air Force aircrew, described as a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle use to discussions practices.
