Brief

UK security minister orders universities to cut ties with Chinese research institute

Security Minister Dan Jarvis wrote to university leaders urging an end to work with the China General Technology Research Institute, which MI5 says has strong links to China's spy agency.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:00:12 GMT

Britain's security minister Dan Jarvis instructed UK universities on Wednesday to terminate all collaborations with the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), after MI5 warned the institute is a front for espionage.

What happened

MI5 told academics to stop working with CGTRI, saying the institute has "very strong ties to the Chinese Ministry of State Security" and funds research that enhances Beijing's espionage capabilities. The agency said more than 100 UK‑linked academics have been involved in projects covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications systems and steganography.

What the reports add

Both the Independent and Al Jazeera reported MI5's alert, but the Independent added that the security minister said academics should "end all arrangements" with CGTRI, while Al Jazeera quoted MI5 describing the institute's "primary purpose" as financing work to improve the Ministry of State Security's technical capacity for espionage. The Independent noted that MI5 has previously warned of daily threats from Chinese state actors, and mentioned the Five Eyes intelligence‑sharing network, which the Al Jazeera piece omitted.

What was said

Security Minister Dan Jarvis told university vice‑chancellors to end collaborations, as reported by the Independent. MI5 said the institute's "primary purpose" is to fund research that strengthens Chinese espionage, according to Al Jazeera.

How it came about

MI5's warning follows a series of alerts about Chinese espionage in UK academia. Earlier this month, Felo News reported that at least 100 academics may have unintentionally aided Chinese spy research, linking the same institute and quoting Jarvis's letter to university leaders (see article).

Key facts

Security Minister Dan Jarvis instructed universities to end all arrangements with the China General Technology Research Institute. (independent.co.uk)
MI5 said more than 100 UK‑linked academics have worked on projects funded by CGTRI. (aljazeera.com)
CGTRI is described by MI5 as having very strong ties to China's Ministry of State Security. (aljazeera.com)

Background

Earlier on 30 September, Felo News reported that MI5 warned UK academics may have unintentionally helped Chinese spy research, noting Jarvis's letter to university vice‑chancellors and the involvement of over 100 academics.