Minister Says Ministry of Defence Examining Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Staff Told to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defense official has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been told to refrain from discussing secret matters in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister commented on reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made cars.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, because of the increasing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and reasonable 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 exactly what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Security Context
This revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.
The wider security environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of government activities, including transport usage to discussions practices.
