Robert quizzed over use of phone in China

Stuart Robert has refused to confirm if he took his official phone on his controversial trip to China, which would be in breach of security protocols.

Stuart Robert has refused to confirm if he took his official phone on his controversial China trip. (AAP)

Under-siege minister Stuart Robert has refused to confirm whether or not he took his Defence Department-issued phone with him on a private trip to China.

Mr Robert was asked during question time on Thursday whether he used a government-issued laptop, portable electronic device or mobile phone on the August 2014 trip when he helped a friend and Liberal Party donor sign a mining deal.

But the former assistant defence minister refused to confirm whether he took the phone, or other devices, which would be in breach of Defence security protocols.