Minister States MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, as Personnel Advised to Avoid Confidential Discussions in Cars.
A defence official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible security risks associated with Chinese cars, and staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret matters in all cars.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret material while riding in China-made cars.
He explained that the ministry is “investigating” cars from China within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in every modern cars.
Our department has a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the MoD and those vehicles account for a very small number.
But whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a secret level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. 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 cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
This revelation follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could enable China to disable public transport and cause disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The wider security situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and caution in every aspects of official operations, including transport usage to communication practices.
