Minister Confirms MoD Looking at Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Staff Told to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively examining the possible threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about classified information in any vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about classified material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however stressed that security is a concern in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However regardless of if you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified classification in any vehicle, because of the growing risks of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. This is a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using all Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: ‘That’s exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Broader Security Background
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel was reportedly shining laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “extremely risky” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of official activities, including vehicle use to communication habits.
