Government Official Confirms Ministry of Defence Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.
An defence official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is currently investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to talk about classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister said that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
Our department has a collection of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that are present in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in secure locations. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for everyone concerned about safety.
When it was suggested that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, the minister responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to switch off public transport and cause chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all aspects of official activities, from vehicle usage to communication habits.
