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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor

Burner phones and lead-lined bags: a history of UK security tactics in China

Keir Starmer using an intercom phone as smiling crew member looks on
Keir Starmer makes an announcement to members of the UK delegation as his plane arrives in China on Wednesday. Photograph: Simon Dawson/10 Downing Street

When prime ministers travel to China, heightened security arrangements are a given – as is the quiet game of cat and mouse that takes place behind the scenes as each country tests out each other’s tradecraft and capabilities.

Keir Starmer’s team has been issued with burner phones and fresh sim cards, and is using temporary email addresses, to prevent devices being loaded with spyware or UK government servers being hacked into.

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