On April 14th to the 16th, German Chancellor Schultz led a delegation to visit China. During the visit, strict measures were taken by the German side to prevent espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, including not bringing electronic devices containing sensitive data, keeping phones close at all times, and disposing of electronic devices taken to China upon return.
According to a report by Deutsche Welle on April 15th, a spokesperson for the German Chancellery revealed to the media that before Schultz’s delegation departed for China, they received cybersecurity training from relevant departments and took precautionary measures based on recommendations from the German Foreign Ministry, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, and other agencies.
German security agencies warned that the Chinese authorities are likely to engage in “active espionage activities,” and therefore advised travelers to China to refrain from carrying personal electronic devices, including phones, computers, and tablets as much as possible.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution urged Germans in China to only use computers that are not connected to internal networks of companies or institutions and to store only “a very limited number of important contacts and data” on their phones.
Accompanying journalists who traveled with Schultz also received warnings from German security agencies. According to a journalist from the Berlin Morning Post, most members of the delegation followed this warning by leaving devices that can access internal networks in Germany.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution required delegation members to maintain the “highest level of vigilance” and uphold “extreme distrust.” Specifically, during their stay in China, they were advised to never let go of important information and storage devices, and that hotel rooms and safes are not secure. If sensitive data in devices or important documents need to be temporarily set aside, they must be stored in specially sealed bags, so they can be easily checked for any signs of tampering afterwards.
“Deutsche Welle” cited experts from intelligence agencies warning that the danger of the Chinese government spying on electronic devices is omnipresent, requiring constant vigilance. In the safety alert issued to delegation members, it also explicitly stated not to use others’ chargers, as there is a risk of phone or computer data being read by the charger. It is also advised to avoid using public wireless network connections, especially when offered actively by the Chinese side.
The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution also cautioned that conversations can be eavesdropped on even in places without electronic devices present, such as inside cars or bedrooms. It is recommended to avoid conversations with German-based work units as much as possible.
The intelligence agency further advised that upon returning from China, delegation members should change the login passwords of their phones, computers, and other devices and thoroughly check for any malicious software installations. As many electronic devices like computers and phones are manufactured in China, it is recommended that when taking these devices to and back from China, they should be disposed of if necessary.
责任编辑：夏松#