MI5 Warns UK Academics Over Chinese Spy Funding

MI5 publicly named the China General Technology Research Institute, alleging it funds academic research to boost MSS espionage. Over 100 UK-linked academics worked on CGTRI-funded projects in AI, cybersecurity, covert communications and steganography. Universities must now trace funding sources and review collaborations, or risk offenses under the National Security Act 2023. Security minister Dan Jarvis urged vice-chancellors to end ties; China's embassy called the claims fabricated.