MI5 issues spy alert to UK universities over Chinese front company stealing research
MI5 has issued a formal warning to UK universities regarding a Chinese front company, the China General Technology Research Institute, which is accused of stealing sensitive research. The security service advises academics to cease all collaboration with the firm, citing risks to national security in fields like AI and cybersecurity.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing tension between academic freedom and national security, as Western governments increasingly scrutinize foreign influence in sensitive technological research.
The Chinese national flag flies above its embassy in London. The Chinese national flag flies above its embassy in London. UK security and counter-terrorism MI5 issues spy alert to UK universities over Chinese front company stealing research Security service says academics should stop taking grants from and working with firm backed by China’s intelligence service
MI5 China alert will send chill through UK’s cash-strapped universities
Prefer the Guardian on Google China’s intelligence service used a front company to pay grants to British universities and steal crucial research about technology projects, MI5 said on Wednesday in a rare public espionage warning.
Britain’s domestic security service said researchers and academics should cease work with the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), sometimes also known as the China Academy of General Technology (CAGT). MI5 believes it poses a “significant threat”.
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