UK Warns of Chinese Spy Agency Funding AI Research
British intelligence reveals China’s spy agency funds UK AI research, sparking security concerns.
2 min read
British intelligence has issued a warning that the Chinese government is using a research institute to fund academic work in the UK, including artificial intelligence, to aid its spy agency. The China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) has been identified by MI5 as a key funder of over 100 UK academics, including those working on AI, cybersecurity, covert communications systems, and steganography. The agency claims CGTRI is closely tied to the Ministry of State Security (MSS), China’s civilian spy agency, and exists primarily to support its technical capabilities for espionage.
Academics May Be Unaware of Funding Links
According to MI5, some UK universities and researchers may not have been aware of CGTRI’s connection to Chinese intelligence when they accepted funding. The agency has warned that researchers continuing to work with the institute could face prosecution under the National Security Act, a 2023 law targeting foreign spying and hostile state activities. MI5 emphasized that this is the first time it has issued a public espionage alert on this matter.
Call to Cut Ties with Chinese Research Body
UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis has urged all British universities to sever ties with CGTRI, stating that the alert exposes efforts by Chinese intelligence to benefit from UK academic expertise, thereby undermining national security. He reiterated the importance of international partnerships but warned that robust action is necessary to defend against threats.
Global Concerns Over Chinese Tech Influence
Similar concerns have been raised by U.S. officials, who have ordered American universities to audit their foreign research ties. The Pentagon and congressional committees have criticized institutions like Harvard for failing to safeguard research connections with Chinese military-linked entities. Meanwhile, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance has warned that Chinese military intelligence is using networking and job sites to target individuals with access to classified information.
China Denies Allegations, Embassies Remain Silent
China’s London Embassy has denied the allegations, calling them “entirely fabricated and constitutes malicious slander.” The Chinese Embassy has not commented on the matter, while the UK Home Office has also not responded to inquiries. Despite the controversy, London recently approved the construction of a “mega” Chinese embassy, highlighting the complex diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Source: Daily Caller
