MI 5 has issued a rare espionage alert warning that more than 100 UK-linked academics have contributed to projects funded by China’s Ministry of State Security through the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), also known as the China Academy of General Technology (CAGT). The agency says the MSS uses CGTRI to fund research “that directly improves MSS technical capability” for its espionage efforts, and notes that some academics may not realise their work is linked to MSS funding.
Topics identified include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications systems and steganography, with the implication that such research supports Chinese intelligence operations. The alert explicitly cautions universities to determine whether current or planned collaborations have any CGTRI link and to trace the funding source of research from Chinese institutions.
MI5’s message accompanies a reminder of legal risk under the National Security Act 2023, specifically sections 3 and 17, which cover “Assisting a Foreign Intelligence Service” and “Obtaining a Material Benefit from a Foreign Intelligence Service.” The agency urged institutions to review collaborations using the Home Office’s Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT) and the National Protective Security Authority’s (NPSA) Trusted Research guidance, and to seek independent legal advice where appropriate.
Commentary from industry figures, such as Graeme Stewart of Check Point, emphasised universities as critical national security assets and urged leadership to scrutinise access to networks, datasets, code, and IP. The warning signals a shift towards heightened scrutiny of academic collaborations with Chinese institutions and the funding trails behind research projects.