중국서 받는 AI연구비 뒤에 정보기관?…영국 “학자 100여명 참여” 간첩활동 경보

South Korea's AI research funding may be linked to an espionage threat…UK warns of 100+ academics potentially involved in Chinese intelligence activity, cautioning of 'spying' risk.

Britain’s MI5 have issued a "spying alert" alleging that China’s advanced technology sectors are being used for intelligence gathering by Chinese intelligence agencies. Tensions are high as China's pursuit of advanced technology collides with Western efforts to strengthen research security.

According to the Financial Times, MI5 has warned Chinese Academy of Engineering Research Institute (CGTRI) that it is closely linked with China’s national security bureau and is using research funding to enhance their technological espionage capabilities. The institute primarily receives funding from China’s state-owned China United Technologies Group, which works in advanced manufacturing, medical and pharmaceutical fields, along with secret communications and steganography.

MI5 revealed that over 100 British academics involved in research projects funded by CGTRI are participating in projects backed by China’s national security bureau. However, it remains uncertain whether institutions and scholars were fully aware of this connection when they accepted the research funds and took part in the projects.

British government urged universities to review their relationship with CGTRI, with Home Secretary Dominic Raab personally writing to university rectors asking them to end cooperation with the research institute. The British Council of Universities’ Vice President, Vanessa Stannard, said the university sector has invested significantly in strengthening research security in recent years and will carefully review the government’s warning.

MI5 has also requested universities and academics to verify the "final source" of research funding, and investigate any potential involvement in espionage activities. Violating the UK’s National Security Act could result in legal consequences.

MI5 is reviewing all research collaborations between universities and advanced research institutes and the UK's National Security Act may ban any research receiving support from foreign intelligence agencies. The government has ramped up control over universities' research partnerships with China’s intelligence bodies. MI5 has been running a dedicated research security advisory program for universities, with UK Chief MI5 Officer Ken Maclean warning earlier this year that some countries are exerting influence over university research and education.

China has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless accusations and vehemently opposing them.