UK asks universities to cut ties with China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI)
MI5 says CGTRI funded secret projects involving over 100 UK-linked academics and has close links to China’s state security service.
The British government has asked universities to sever research links with the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), citing national security concerns raised by the domestic intelligence service MI5.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said UK academics should cut all ties with the institute after MI5 presented evidence it regards as indicating the body is being used to support espionage activities.
MI5 findings
MI5 told officials that more than 100 academics connected to Britain had worked on projects secretly funded by Chinese counter-intelligence through CGTRI. The agency said the work included research linked to cyber security and artificial intelligence.
In its assessment MI5 said CGTRI "has very strong links with China's Ministry of State Security" and that the institute seeks to fund research that advances the technical capabilities of the state for espionage.
The government request places pressure on British universities to review and end collaborations with CGTRI while ministers and security officials consider further steps.
Photo: press material from the event
