According to a Fox News Digital report, many US officials travelling to China left behind their personal phones and laptops, instead carrying temporary “clean” devices and tightly controlled communication systems to reduce the risk of hacking, surveillance or data collection.As per the report, China operate under the assumption that “anything brought into China — phones, laptops, tablets or even hotel Wi-Fi connections — should be treated as potentially compromised”.

Restrictions and precautions followed by US officials in China

Even routine communication becomes difficult under such restrictions, making officials rely on temporary accounts, controlled communication channels and, in some cases, in-person relays instead of encrypted apps or synchronised cloud systems. No form of electronic communication is considered “safe” in China, and digital activities are limited to only what is crucial to the purpose of the visit.

Burner phones, secure zones and SCIFs

Officials and executives may be issued temporary devices carrying known “golden images”. This is so security teams can later determine comparing the before and after use to determine whether they have been tampered with.

What are ‘golden image’ devices?

The report also said US officials travelling overseas often rely on temporary sensitive compartmented information facilities, or SCIFs, which are secure spaces designed to prevent electronic surveillance and eavesdropping.

US cites years of alleged Chinese cyber espionage

US intelligence agencies have for years accused Beijing-linked groups of targeting American government systems, telecommunications networks, defence contractors and critical infrastructure. Washington has repeatedly cited alleged Chinese cyber campaigns including Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon as examples of state-backed espionage operations.The issue gained wider public attention in 2023 after a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon crossed the continental United States before being shot down by the US military. American officials later described it as part of a broader surveillance effort linked to Beijing.

China rejects surveillance allegations

China has consistently denied allegations of unlawful surveillance or cyber espionage.“In China, personal privacy is protected by law,” Fox News Digital reported citing Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu. “The Chinese government places a high priority on protecting data privacy and security in accordance with the law. It has never required and will never require enterprises or individuals to collect or store data in violation of the law.”

China’s digital monitoring framework

China maintains an extensive state-led digital governance framework under laws and regulations introduced in recent years. The country’s Cybersecurity Law, Data Security Law and Personal Information Protection Law regulate how data is collected, stored and transferred within China.Chinese authorities also operate broad internet controls under what Beijing describes as its cyber sovereignty model, which includes monitoring online content and restricting access to several foreign digital platforms.Official Chinese government documents state that these measures are aimed at protecting national security, maintaining social stability and safeguarding personal information. Beijing has also defended the use of surveillance technologies, including facial recognition systems and internet monitoring tools, as necessary for public safety and crime prevention.The high-profile visit comes as Washington and Beijing attempt to stabilise economic ties despite continuing tensions over technology, trade, cybersecurity and national security.