University asks staff to review some partnerships with China after MI5 warning
3 hours ago
- Queen's University of Belfast has asked staff to review collaborations with China following an MI5 warning about the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), which MI5 claims is a front for Chinese intelligence.
- MI5 warned that UK academics may have unintentionally assisted Chinese espionage through CGTRI-funded projects, including AI, cybersecurity, and steganography, and that failure to cut ties could lead to criminal charges.
- The Chinese Embassy in London dismissed the accusation as 'imaginary and purely fabricated'.
- Queen's University has commenced a review of existing and proposed collaborations involving CGTRI and advised researchers to conduct due diligence on funding sources.
- Ulster University stated it has no research links with the organization referenced by MI5.