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MI5 warns UK academics of Chinese MSS-linked research funding
MI5 has issued a security alert warning that the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), also known as the China Academy of General Technology (CAGT), acts as a front for the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS). The agency asserts that the primary purpose of CGTRI is to fund academic research designed to enhance the technical espionage capabilities of the MSS.
According to the alert, more than 100 academics with links to the United Kingdom have contributed to research projects funded through this channel. These projects cover sensitive dual-use domains, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, steganography, and covert communications systems. MI5 noted that some researchers may have been unaware of the true source of the funding.
UK academic institutions are being urged to review current and planned collaborations with CGTRI and to verify the ultimate funding sources for research involving Chinese institutions. The agency cautioned that continued collaboration could potentially lead to prosecution under the National Security Act 2023 for providing material assistance to a foreign intelligence service.
Entities
China · China General Technology Research Institute · MI5 · Ministry of State Security · United Kingdom
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom described the MI5 accusations as imaginary and purely fabricated. cybernoz.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Some academics may have been unaware that CGTRI was providing the monetary backing for their research projects. cybernoz.com · www.visiontimes.com · securityaffairs.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] MI5 stated that the primary purpose of CGTRI is to fund research that directly improves the technical espionage capabilities of the Chinese Ministry of State Security. cybernoz.com · www.it-boltwise.de · www.visiontimes.com · securityaffairs.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Continued collaboration could lead to prosecution under the National Security Act 2023 for providing material assistance to a foreign intelligence service. cybernoz.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Research topics funded include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications systems, and steganography. cybernoz.com · www.it-boltwise.de · www.visiontimes.com · securityaffairs.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] More than 100 academics with links to the United Kingdom have contributed to research projects funded by the MSS via CGTRI. cybernoz.com · www.it-boltwise.de · www.visiontimes.com · securityaffairs.com