A defense minister has stated that the Ministry of Defence is actively looking into the possible threats associated with Chinese-made cars, while staff have been advised to avoid discussing classified information in any cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Staff
During a recent appearance on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in China-made vehicles.
He stated that the ministry is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its fleets, however stressed that security is a issue in every contemporary cars.
We have a collection of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles account for a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD technology into their car, not to have discussions at a classified level in any car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all automobile, to only have those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for everyone worried about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the ministry to stop using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Security Background
The revelation comes as claims from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the presence of dual-use shutdown mechanisms in Chinese buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship has been directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots, labeled a “extremely risky” act by defence officials.
This wider defence situation highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from transport use to discussions habits.
