MI5 has warned British academics that they are helping Chinese intelligence officers upgrade their spying arsenal. More than 100 researchers have contributed to projects funded by the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI).
University staff are inadvertently helping Beijing to boost its AI systems, providing insights into cybersecurity, upgrading covert communications systems and improving steganography, the practice of hiding secret messages.
Espionage alert issued
MI5 warned that the “primary purpose” of the CGTRI is to “fund academic research that directly improves MSS (Chinese Ministry of State Security) technical capability for espionage”. The domestic intelligence agency issued an “espionage alert” and warned researchers they could be arrested for assisting a foreign intelligence service if they continue to conduct research funded by the CGTRI.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: "This alert exposes attempts by Chinese intelligence to covertly benefit from the expertise and research of our academics, undermining our national security, and that of our allies.
“I have written to all university Vice-Chancellors to ensure they support their staff to end all arrangements with this company, preventing further benefit to the Chinese intelligence services and ensuring compliance with the National Security Act.
“International partnerships are vital to ensure our universities and research institutes continue to thrive, but we will take robust action to defend against the threats we face. That means supporting our police and intelligence services to expose and disrupt harmful activity, using the full force of the law."
Good faith engagement
MI5 admitted many researchers and academics will have “engaged with CGTRI in good faith” because the group covered up its links to its Beijing paymasters. But they must now “review any ongoing or planned collaboration”.
The intelligence agency added: “This is to ensure MSS derives no further benefit from UK universities or research institutions.”
In a speech last year, the head of MI5, Sir Ken McCallum, warned China poses a “daily” threat to national security. Chinese spies regularly try to steal state secrets, academic research, business information and harass and kidnap dissidents living in the UK.
