Minister Says MoD Looking at Security Risk from Vehicles from China, with Staff Instructed to Refrain from Secret Talk in Vehicles.

An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently investigating the possible threats associated with Chinese cars, while staff have been told to avoid discussing secret information in any cars.

Security Guidance for Defence Personnel

In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister addressed claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.

He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in every contemporary cars.

We have a fleet of thousands of cars in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones account for a very small number.

However whether you’re driving a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is not to plug MoD devices into their car, not to have discussions at a classified classification in any car, because of the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in every single automobile, to restrict those confidential talks in secure locations. That’s a wise and sensible thing for everyone concerned about safety.

When it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: That is exactly what we’re investigating at the present time.”

Broader Defence Context

This announcement follows reports from Scandinavian countries have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and bring chaos to public transit.

Additionally, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at Royal Air Force pilots, described as a “highly dangerous” act by defence officials.

This broader security situation underscores the significance of robust protocols and caution in every areas of government activities, from vehicle usage to discussions practices.