London (HRNW)-\u00a0Britain\u2019s domestic intelligence agency MI5 has issued a rare public espionage alert warning universities about research collaborations with the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), which it says has strong ties to China\u2019s Ministry of State Security (MSS).<\/p>\n
According to MI5, CGTRI funds academic research that could directly strengthen the MSS\u2019s technical capabilities for espionage. The agency said more than 100 UK-linked academics have contributed to CGTRI-funded research projects, including work involving artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications systems and steganography.<\/p>\n
MI5 said some academics and institutions may have engaged with CGTRI in good faith without knowing about its alleged links to Chinese intelligence. The agency has advised universities to immediately review ongoing and planned collaborations and to establish the ultimate source of funding for research partnerships with Chinese institutions.<\/p>\n
The intelligence agency also warned that continued collaboration could carry legal risks under the National Security Act 2023, and advised institutions and researchers to seek independent legal advice where necessary.<\/p>\n
UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis has written to university leaders urging them to end arrangements with CGTRI. He said the alert highlighted attempts by Chinese intelligence to covertly benefit from the expertise and research of British academics.<\/p>\n
The Chinese Embassy in London rejected the allegations, describing them as fabricated and baseless. It said academic exchanges and research cooperation between British universities and China are voluntary, lawful and mutually beneficial, and accused the UK side of undermining educational and research ties.<\/p>\n
The dispute comes as Britain seeks to maintain economic and diplomatic engagement with China while its security agencies continue to warn about alleged Chinese intelligence activities targeting sensitive information and expertise.<\/p>\n