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UK-China academic espionage allegations

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2026-10-03 16:06 UTC → 2026-10-05 10:16 UTC · added ~~removed~~

MI5 has issued an unprecedented public espionage alert regarding the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), also known as the China Academy of General Technology (CAGT), which the agency identifies as a front for the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS). According to MI5, the institute’s primary purpose is to fund academic research that directly enhances the technical espionage capabilities of the Chinese state. The agency reports that more than 100 academics linked to United Kingdom institutions have contributed to projects in sensitive fields, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, steganography, and covert communications systems. MI5 noted that many researchers may have engaged with the institute in good faith, unaware of its intelligence ties. UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis and other officials have urged university leaders to terminate arrangements with the CGTRI, warning that continued collaboration could lead to prosecution under the UK National Security Act ~~2023.~~ 2023 for providing material assistance to a foreign intelligence service. The Chinese embassy in the UK has rejected the allegations, describing them as ‘imaginary and purely fabricated’ and stating they have lodged formal representations.

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