Minister Confirms MoD Examining Security Risk from Chinese Cars, with Personnel Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Cars.
An defense minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently examining the potential security risks associated with Chinese cars, and personnel have been advised to refrain from talking about secret information in any vehicles.
Safety Guidance for Defence Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, Luke Pollard commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss secret information while riding in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, however stressed that safety is a concern in every modern cars.
We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the MoD and Chinese ones account for a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our staff is to avoid connecting Ministry of Defence devices into their car, not to have conversations at a secret level in any vehicle, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to only have those confidential conversations in secure locations. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we’re investigating at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
The revelation follows claims from Norway and Denmark have alerted the United Kingdom to the existence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could enable China to switch off buses and bring disruption to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the importance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of official operations, including transport use to discussions practices.
