Burner phones and lead-lined bags: a history of UK security tactics in China
9 days ago
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- #security
- #espionage
- Heightened security measures are standard for UK prime ministers visiting China, including the use of burner phones and temporary email addresses to prevent espionage.
- Historical incidents include Theresa May being advised to dress under a duvet to avoid spy cameras and Gordon Brown's aide falling victim to a honey trap in 2008.
- Chinese officials often provide personal protection officers to foreign dignitaries, which can serve as a means for low-level information gathering.
- Sensitive conversations are only deemed safe in secure compartments within the British embassy, as all other areas are assumed to be bugged.
- Ministers' lack of ordinary communication in China can lead to political issues, as seen with Vince Cable in 2014 during an attempted coup in his party.