The Assistant Trade Minister has revealed why he didn’t take his phone on a trip to China.

Tim Ayres was on a trip to help the Government work to unwind China’s sanctions on key Australian exports.

It is not yet clear when restrictions on timber, wine and barley will be lifted.

Mr Ayres told Ben Fordham he received advice on his mobile phone.

“The security advice is to take a different phone.”

“You wouldn’t be surprised that we’re cautious.”