Government Official Confirms MoD Examining Potential Threat from Chinese Cars, as Staff Advised to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
A defense minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing secret information in all vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Staff
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret material while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister said that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
But regardless of if you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of surveillance that are present in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for anyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Broader Security Context
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have alerted the UK to the existence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to disable buses and cause disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russia spy ship has been shining lasers at RAF aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of strong protocols and caution in every aspects of government operations, including vehicle usage to communication habits.
