MI5 China Research Warning

MI5 Warns UK Universities Over Chinese Research Links and National Security

MI5 has issued its first independently published public espionage alert, alleging that the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), also known as the China Academy of General Technology, has strong links to China’s Ministry of State Security and funds research that could advance China’s espionage capabilities. More than 100 UK-linked academics reportedly contributed to CGTRI-funded projects in sensitive fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications and steganography. MI5 says some participants may have collaborated in good faith without knowing the funding’s ultimate source, but warns that knowingly assisting a foreign intelligence service could lead to prosecution under the National Security Act 2023. Security Minister Dan Jarvis has written to university leaders urging them to end arrangements with the institute, while MI5 advises institutions to review partnerships and verify funding sources. The alert highlights tensions between national-security concerns and universities’ international research partnerships, and could add strain to UK-China relations.

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