UK intelligence warns of Chinese-backed academic espionage
Britain's MI5 has issued a public alert accusing a Chinese organization, the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), of covertly funding UK-based academics to advance Beijing’s espionage capabilities. More than 100 academics are said to have worked on research backed by CGTRI, covering areas like AI, cybersecurity, and covert communications. MI5 says many researchers were likely unaware of CGTRI’s ties to China’s intelligence service, but ongoing cooperation could lead to prosecution under new UK law.
- MI5 names CGTRI as linked to China's state security
- Over 100 UK academics participated in CGTRI-backed research
- Research fields include AI, cybersecurity, and communications systems
- MI5 says many researchers may have been unaware of the connection
- Ongoing ties could breach the National Security Act 2023
Sources covering this
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