An defence minister has stated that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, and personnel have been instructed to refrain from talking about secret matters in all cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Staff
During a recently aired interview on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to talk about secret material while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the MoD is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, but stressed that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
Our department has a fleet of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified classification in any car, due to the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to only have those secret conversations in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about security.
When it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to switch off public transport and cause disruption to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The wider defence situation underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all areas of government operations, from transport usage to communication practices.
