Key facts
- MI5 has warned UK universities about the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI).
- MI5 states CGTRI's primary purpose is to fund research that improves Chinese Ministry of State Security technical capability for espionage.
- Over 100 academics at UK institutions have contributed to CGTRI-funded projects.
- Research areas include AI, cybersecurity, covert communications systems, and steganography.
- Security minister Dan Jarvis has written to vice-chancellors urging them to end all arrangements with CGTRI.
- The Chinese embassy in London has denied the accusations.
British universities are reviewing their collaborations with Chinese research institutes following an espionage alert from the U.K.'s domestic intelligence agency, MI5. The alert warns that the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), part of a state-owned conglomerate, is a front for China's Ministry of State Security and funds research to improve its espionage capabilities.
MI5 stated that over 100 academics at UK institutions have unknowingly contributed to projects funded by CGTRI, compromising British national intelligence. The research areas targeted include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications systems, and steganography. The agency has advised academic institutions to "immediately review any ongoing or planned collaboration with CGTRI" and to establish the ultimate funding source for future collaborations.
Security minister Dan Jarvis has written to all university vice-chancellors urging them to "end all arrangements" with CGTRI, stating that Chinese intelligence is attempting to covertly benefit from UK academic expertise. Science and innovation minister Chris McDonald acknowledged the risks associated with international collaboration while emphasizing its importance for UK research.
The Chinese embassy in London has strongly rebutted the accusations, describing them as "imaginary and purely fabricated" and asserting that exchanges and collaborations are voluntary and compliant with laws. Experts have raised concerns about the vetting processes for sensitive research collaborations.