MI5 Raises Alarm Over Chinese Funding of UK Academic Research

MI5 has publicly warned that the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) — assessed to have strong ties to China’s Ministry of State Security — has funded academic research in the UK (over 100 academics implicated) that could directly improve MSS espionage capabilities (areas include AI, cybersecurity, covert communications and steganography). The alert urges universities to review collaborations, trace ultimate funding sources, and seek legal advice because continuing work with CGTRI-funded projects may risk prosecution under the National Security Act 2023; China denies the allegations.