The Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV), the German security service, advises tourists and business travelers to buy a new telephone for their trip to China, reports the Handelsblatt business magazine. The secret service also advises them to take a special laptop with them to reduce the risk of espionage.



"When it comes to the security of communication and data, it is recommended to buy a travel laptop and a 'disposable telephone' (prepaid) for the stay in China," says the BfV. In addition, people should not store more on their devices than necessary for the journey, especially when it comes to address book.



"After returning from China, it is advisable to thoroughly scan the devices for viruses, reinstall them or even throw them away." The precautionary measures must prevent tourists or business travelers from passing on sensitive information to China unnoticed.



The BfV also warns against releasing too many details in visa applications and to be reluctant to use Wi-Fi networks in hotels, for example.



The Dutch intelligence service AIVD has been warning China for years because of the espionage activities that the country carries out to, for example, seize trade secrets.