Universities warned to review research links with China

The UK security service, MI5, has identified that more than 100 UK-linked academics have contributed, possibly some of them unwittingly, to projects funded by China’s civilian intelligence and security services via the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI).

On 30 September, MI5 issued an alert warning that it has identified that CGTRI, sometimes translated as China Academy of General Technology (CAGT), has very strong ties to the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS), and that its primary purpose is to fund academic research that directly improves MSS technical capability for espionage.

“In some cases, academics may not be aware that CGTRI is funding the Chinese research project they are contributing to,” the MI5 alert said.

The effect of the alert is to warn universities that continuing ties with CGTRI could potentially lead to criminal charges for aiding a foreign state.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said MI5’s warning exposed attempts by Chinese intelligence agencies to use British academic research to undermine UK national security.

“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,” he said.

The minister has written to all university vice-chancellors to end relationships with the organisation.

The primary purpose of academic research funded by CGTRI is to directly improve MSS technical capability for espionage, MI5 said. CGTRI has funded projects on topics including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications systems and steganography.

“This activity supports MSS espionage, which poses a threat to UK national security,” the alert warned.

MI5 said many academic institutions and individuals to date have engaged with CGTRI in good faith given CGTRI’s obfuscated links to MSS.

However, it strongly advised UK academic institutions to “immediately review any ongoing or planned collaboration with CGTRI”.

“This is to ensure MSS derives no further benefit from UK universities or research institutions,” the alert said.

“Further, academics are advised to establish the ultimate funding source when conducting any research collaboration with Chinese institutions to ensure that CGTRI is not involved.”

When scoping any research collaborations, UK institutions should make full use of the government’s Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT) and Trusted Research guidance produced by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and consider taking their own independent legal advice, Mi5 warned.

Potential criminal consequences

The issuing of the alert has explicitly placed the fact that CGTRI has very strong ties to MSS in the public domain, which means the universities are now required to take appropriate measures in response.

UK universities need to make themselves aware of the provision of the National Security Act 2023, particularly offences under section 3 (Assisting a Foreign Intelligence Service) and section 17 (Obtaining a Material Benefit from a Foreign Intelligence Service).

Under section 3, a criminal offence is committed if the person a) engages in conduct that is likely to materially assist a Foreign Intelligence Service in carrying out UK-related activities, and b) knows, or having regard to other matters known to them ought reasonably to know, that their conduct is likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities.

“Any institution or individual continuing to conduct research ultimately funded by CGTRI following publication of this espionage alert should take their own independent legal advice, in particular (but not limited to) in relation to the offences under sections 3 and 17 of the National Security Act 2023,” Mi5 warned.

Professor Peter Mathieson, vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh and the lead for international security for Universities UK, which represents 142 institutions across the UK, said MI5’s warning meant that future collaborations with the CGTRI would be illegal.

He told The Guardian: “They are saying that anyone who has a link to this institute up until now has not committed any kind of offence, because it’s not previously been said this was a high-risk activity.

“Now that they have said it, we have to sit up and take notice. It’s very much a forward-looking directive.”

Chinese embassy issues denial

Government advice on trusted research can be found here.

The Chinese Embassy in London rejected MI5’s allegations, according to a report in National Security News.

A spokesperson said: “The accusations made by the UK intelligence agency against the relevant Chinese entity are imaginary and purely fabricated. We firmly oppose such baseless allegations and have lodged solemn representations with the UK side.

“Exchanges and collaboration between UK universities and China have always been conducted on a voluntary basis and in compliance with laws and regulations. Such exchanges and collaboration are mutually beneficial.

“We urge the UK intelligence authorities to stop spreading falsehoods and stop undermining educational exchanges and research cooperation between China and the UK.”