Brief
MI5 warns UK academics may have unintentionally helped Chinese spy research
Security officials say researchers could be breaching national security laws by collaborating with the China General Technology Research Institute.
By Felo News Desk · Published
MI5 has warned that at least 100 academics with ties to UK universities may have unwittingly taken part in research projects funded by the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), which it says has strong links to Beijing’s intelligence services.
The agency’s alert, issued on Wednesday, says the work covered areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications and steganography, and that continuing involvement could breach UK national‑security law.
Security minister Dan Jarvis said the warning shows how Chinese intelligence seeks to benefit from British expertise and pledged to work with university vice‑chancellors to end any arrangements with CGTRI.
MI5 urged academics still working with the institute to seek legal advice and reminded that ministers had met university leaders in November of the previous year to discuss foreign‑interference risks.
Key facts
- At least 100 UK‑linked academics may have been involved in projects funded by CGTRI. (standard.co.uk)
- CGTRI is described by MI5 as having very strong ties to Chinese intelligence. (standard.co.uk)
- Research topics included AI, cybersecurity, covert communications and steganography. (standard.co.uk)
- Security minister Dan Jarvis said he has written to university vice‑chancellors to end collaborations with CGTRI. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “At least 100 UK academics may be helping to develop Chinese spy tech, MI5 warns”
