UK universities warned by MI5 over Chinese spy risk

WorldPolitics
30 Sep 2026 • 9:40 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

UK universities warned by MI5 over Chinese spy risk

  • MI5 has issued its first standalone security alert after discovering that over 100 academics with UK links worked on projects secretly funded by Chinese intelligence.
  • The alert targets the China General Technology Research Institute, which operates with strong ties to China's Ministry of State Security to enhance spying capabilities.
  • UK-linked researchers involved in fields including AI, cybersecurity, and covert communications may have been unaware of the true source of their funding.
  • Security minister Dan Jarvis has written to university Vice-Chancellors urging staff to terminate all arrangements with the research body to protect national security.
  • Academics continuing to collaborate with the institute have been advised to seek legal advice regarding potential offences under the National Security Act 2023.

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