MI5 warns UK academics have been aiding Chinese spies

MI5 has cautioned that British academic researchers have been indirectly assisting Chinese intelligence in their espionage efforts, according to a recent alert. Security Minister Dan Jarvis disclosed that the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), linked to China's Ministry of State Security, has covertly sought to benefit from UK AI and technology research. Over 100 UK academics have reportedly contributed to projects funded by CGTRI, which MI5 describes as having "very strong ties" to the Chinese MSS.

Jarvis emphasized that this alert exposes attempts by Chinese intelligence to covertly benefit from the expertise and research of UK academics, undermining national security. This is the first time MI5 has independently published an Espionage Alert. The institute has allegedly funded research in AI, cyber security, covert communications, and steganography, techniques used to hide information within other data.

MI5 claims that some British researchers might have collaborated with CGTRI unknowingly, attributing this to the institute's "obfuscated" relationship with the MSS. The security minister has written to all university vice-chancellors urging them to end arrangements with CGTRI and adhere to the National Security Act. Furthermore, MI5 advises academics to ascertain the ultimate source of funding for projects before collaborating with Chinese institutions.

MI5's intervention follows Sir Ken McCallum's warning that Britain's next major security threat might emerge from unexpected sources, as the agency grapples with terrorism, hostile-state activity, cyber attacks, and emerging technologies. The number of people investigated by MI5 for suspected involvement in state-threat activities increased by 35% in the year to October 2025.

Intelligence chiefs have cautioned that AI can enhance cyber attacks, propaganda, reconnaissance, and influence operations, while MI5 is leveraging AI to enhance its intelligence analysis.

However, China has dismissed the allegations of espionage against Britain as "entirely fabricated" and "malicious slander." The Chinese embassy in London called the accusations a "grave threat to international partnerships" vital for the continued prosperity of universities and research institutes.