An defense official has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is actively investigating the potential threats associated with Chinese cars, while personnel have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in all vehicles.
Safety Advice for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on reports that MoD officials have been instructed not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He stated that the MoD is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any kind of car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that are present in all automobile, to only have those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a prudent and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
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 moment.”
Wider Defence Background
The revelation follows reports from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russian spy ship has been shining laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider security situation highlights the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every areas of official operations, including vehicle use to communication habits.
