A defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the possible security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, while personnel have been told to refrain from discussing classified information in any cars.
Safety Advice for MoD Personnel
During a recent appearance on a radio station, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD officials have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister explained that the ministry is “investigating” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones represent a very small number.
However regardless of if you’re driving a Chinese car or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence devices into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a secret classification in any kind of vehicle, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those secret talks in protected areas. This is a wise and reasonable thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Broader Defence Background
The announcement comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and bring disruption to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at RAF pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader defence environment highlights the importance of strong measures and caution in all areas of government activities, from transport usage to discussions practices.
