MI5 warns Chinese spy front is targeting UK academics

MI5 has issued a rare public alert about Chinese espionage aimed at British universities and research bodies. The security service says a Chinese institute called the China General Technology Research Institute has very strong ties to China's Ministry of State Security, the country's civilian intelligence and security service. MI5 describes the institute as a front used to fund academic research that directly improves China's technical capability for espionage.

The alert, called a Security Service Espionage Alert, is short and blunt. It says more than 100 UK-linked academics have contributed to projects funded by the institute, though in some cases they may not have known where the money came from. MI5 advises everyone involved in UK academia to cut ties with the institute and to check the source of any other research funding from China. It warns that continuing ties could lead to criminal charges under national security legislation.

Projects that have raised concern include:

• Artificial intelligence
• Cyber security
• Covert communication systems
• Steganography, the practice of hiding an image, file or message inside something that is not secret

MI5 says this kind of activity supports Chinese espionage, which it says poses a threat to UK national security. No individuals have been named. One security official said that if academics did not know in the past, they do know now.

Security minister Dan Jarvis has written to all university vice chancellors to ask for their help. He said the alert exposes attempts by Chinese intelligence to covertly benefit from the expertise and research of UK academics, undermining national security and that of allies. He added that international partnerships are vital for universities and research institutes, but the government will take robust action to defend against the threat.

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, said the organisation is reviewing the alert. Its immediate focus is on supporting universities as they assess any implications for existing or future partnerships. She welcomed the government's constructive and collaborative approach and its recognition of the value of international research collaboration. She said close engagement between government and higher education is vital so universities and the country can benefit from international collaboration while managing national security risks.

China's embassy in the UK has been approached for comment. It has previously denied allegations of espionage. No response had been received at the time of the coverage.