MI5 Says 100-Linked UK Academics Aided China Spy Front, Warns of Prosecution
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 30
MI5 Says 100-Linked UK Academics Aided China Spy Front, Warns of Prosecution
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 30
Summary
MI5 issued its first-ever espionage alert accusing the China General Technology Research Institute of secretly serving China’s Ministry of State Security and channeling research into AI, covert communications and other sensitive fields.
More than 100 UK-linked academics were found to have contributed to projects funded through intermediaries, with MI5 saying many likely acted in good faith because the institute obscured its intelligence ties.
Dan Jarvis said he wrote to all university vice-chancellors urging them to end arrangements with the institute, and MI5 warned that failing to sever ties could trigger prosecution under Britain’s 2023 national security law.
The unusually public warning expands a broader Five Eyes campaign to expose Chinese espionage tactics and reflects rising Western concern over technology competition with Beijing even as Britain tries to preserve trade ties with China.