Headline: MI5 Warns Chinese-Linked Organisation Used UK Research to Support Espionage

Date: 30 September 2026

Tags: UK Security, China, Espionage, Universities

Summary:

• MI5 says more than 100 UK-linked academics unwittingly contributed to research supporting Chinese intelligence operations.

• Research was funded through China General Technology Research Institute, also known as China Academy of General Technology.

• MI5 says CGTRI has strong links to China's Ministry of State Security and funds research improving its espionage capabilities.

• Funded research included artificial intelligence, cyber-security, covert communications and techniques for concealing secret information.

• MI5 said many academics and institutions participated in good faith because CGTRI's alleged intelligence links were obscured.

• Universities have been advised to immediately review ongoing or planned collaborations with the organisation.

• Security Minister Dan Jarvis has written to university vice-chancellors asking them to end relationships with CGTRI.

• MI5 warned continued cooperation could potentially breach the National Security Act 2023's provisions on assisting foreign intelligence services.

• The warning follows an earlier joint alert from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand about Chinese intelligence recruitment activity.

Why this matters: MI5 says British academic expertise has been indirectly used to strengthen Chinese intelligence capabilities affecting UK national security.

What’s next: UK universities and researchers are being urged to review and end relevant relationships with CGTRI.