Minister Says MoD Looking at Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Confidential Discussions in Cars.
An defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed reports that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He said that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in all modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, to avoid having discussions at a secret level in any car, because of the growing threats of surveillance that exist in every single automobile, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. That’s a prudent and reasonable thing for anyone worried about safety.
When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to stop using all cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Context
This revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
This broader security situation highlights the importance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, from vehicle usage to communication practices.
