Government Official States Ministry of Defence Investigating Potential Threat from Vehicles from China, as Staff Instructed to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Vehicles.
An defense official has confirmed that the MoD is actively looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, and staff have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recent interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified material while travelling in Chinese vehicles.
He explained that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their car, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any vehicle, due to the growing risks of eavesdropping that are present in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every Chinese vehicles, the minister replied: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Defence Context
The announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to switch off public transport and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The broader security situation highlights the importance of robust measures and caution in all areas of official activities, from vehicle usage to discussions habits.
