UK Security Minister Writes to All Universities Urging Termination of Ties with Chinese Institution Named by MI5; China Denies Baseless Allegations

According to Reuters, the UK’s intelligence agency MI5 issued an unprecedented alert on Wednesday warning that a Chinese institution has been providing funding for academic research in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI).

In its published "Espionage Alert – CGTRI, China General Technology Research Institute," MI5 stated that over 100 UK-affiliated scholars have participated in projects funded by the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI). The alert claims: "MI5 has assessed that the primary objective of CGTRI is to fund academic research directly enhancing China’s capabilities in sensitive espionage technologies."

The alert further notes: "UK academics have engaged in research projects funded by CGTRI, covering fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communication systems, and steganography."

Steganography, as reported, refers to the practice of concealing information within messages or objects, with the aim of preventing any unauthorized party from detecting either the transmission of information or its content.

The release of this alert—MI5’s first independent public issuance of such a notice—represents the latest in a series of allegations concerning Chinese espionage activities. It also underscores the tension between the UK’s security concerns and its government’s commitment to maintaining relations with China. China has previously rejected the accusations, calling them unfounded and entirely fabricated.

In its press release, MI5 stated: "The China General Technology Research Institute funds academic research within China in areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Over 100 scholars with UK connections have participated in research projects funded through CGTRI by China’s State Security Ministry. In some cases, researchers may not be aware that their involvement in Chinese research projects is supported by CGTRI."

MI5 emphasized that continued collaboration could expose individuals to prosecution under the UK’s National Security Act, enacted in 2023 to expand authorities’ powers to counter foreign espionage and hostile state activities.

The alert recommends that "UK academic institutions immediately review any ongoing or planned collaborations with the China General Technology Research Institute" and advises scholars to verify the ultimate source of funding when engaging in research partnerships with Chinese entities, ensuring no connection to CGTRI exists.

UK Minister for Security Dan Jarvis stated he has written to all university heads across the country, instructing them to ensure staff sever any ties with the Chinese institution. In a statement, he said: "This alert reveals attempts by Chinese authorities to covertly exploit the expertise and research output of UK academics to undermine the national security of the UK and its allies."

Jarvis added: "International collaboration remains vital to sustaining the growth and excellence of UK universities and research institutions. However, we will take decisive action to counter the threats we face."

In June, the “Five Eyes” alliance—comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—issued a joint alert warning that Chinese intelligence operatives are actively leveraging online recruitment platforms to target individuals with access to sensitive information.

The Chinese Embassy in London responded by stating: "Allegations of a 'Chinese espionage threat' are baseless fabrications and malicious defamation, which we firmly reject."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877774579029004/

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