MI5 warns UK academics over Chinese-funded technology research

Britain’s MI5 has issued a public espionage alert warning that a Chinese organisation funded academic research in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and covert communications on behalf of Beijing’s state security service. The agency said more than 100 UK-based academics had contributed to projects funded by the China General Technology Research Institute, also known in some translations as the China Academy of General Technology. MI5 said the organisation had very strong ties to China’s Ministry of State Security, the country’s civilian intelligence service.

According to the alert, the organisation’s primary purpose was to finance research that could improve the ministry’s technical espionage capabilities. The agency identified artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications systems and steganography among the subjects involved. MI5 described the statement as its first independently published public alert.

It said many academics and institutions may have dealt with the organisation in good faith without knowing about its alleged links to Chinese intelligence. However, the agency warned that people who continued such relationships could face prosecution under the UK’s National Security Act, passed in 2023 to strengthen powers against foreign espionage and hostile state activity. Security Minister Dan Jarvis said he had written to university leaders across Britain asking them to ensure staff ended relationships with the organisation.

He said international partnerships remained important but that the government would act to protect national security. China’s embassy in London rejected MI5’s claims, describing them as imaginary and fabricated. An embassy spokesman said China opposed the allegations and had lodged representations with the British government.

The spokesman urged UK authorities to stop spreading what he called falsehoods and avoid undermining educational exchanges and research cooperation. The warning adds to broader tensions in Britain’s relationship with China. The UK has sought stronger trade ties and approved plans for a large Chinese embassy in London, while repeatedly raising concerns about alleged spying and attempts to influence British institutions.