MI5 warned that the Chinese state-owned conglomerate has been using grants to British universities to fund academic research that ultimately boosts Beijing's espionage capability, particularly in sensitive technology projects. The alert, which risks casting a shadow over a recent revival in UK-China relations, comes at a time when cash-strapped British institutions have increasingly turned to Chinese funding sources.
The security service called on universities to immediately stop accepting grants from CGTRI/CAGT and to sever existing collaborations. The rare public statement underscores the extent of British intelligence concerns about Beijing's influence within the UK academic sector.
The warning follows a pattern of mounting national security scrutiny over Chinese-linked research partnerships. Universities have for years relied on Chinese funding for financial stability, but the MI5 alert is expected to send a chill through those relationships, leaving institutions to balance financial pressures against security directives.
Al Jazeera also reported the alert, noting that the UK intelligence agency accuses the Chinese institute of funding academic research to enhance Beijing's espionage capability. The development places UK universities in a difficult position as they weigh collaboration opportunities against government warnings.