The U.K.’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has warned that more than 100 U.K.-linked academics have contributed to research projects allegedly funded by China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Impacted areas
The research reportedly covered areas including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, covert communications and steganography.
The warning was issued in an MI5 Security Service Espionage Alert on September 30, 2026. According to MI5, the research funding was channelled through the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), also known as the China Academy of General Technology (CAGT).
About the warning
MI5 assessed that CGTRI is being used as a front for China’s MSS and claimed that its primary purpose is to fund research that can improve the Chinese intelligence service’s technical capabilities.
“The alert advises UK academic institutions to immediately review any ongoing or planned collaboration with CGTRI and advises academics to establish the ultimate funding source when conducting any research collaboration with Chinese institutions to ensure CGTRI are not involved,” reads the MI5 security alert.
Associated risks
The areas of research identified by MI5 are particularly significant from a cybersecurity and intelligence perspective. Artificial intelligence can be used for data analysis, automation and surveillance, while cybersecurity research can contribute to offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.
The alert also revealed covert communications and steganography. Steganography involves hiding information inside another form of digital content, such as an image or audio file, making it potentially useful for concealing communications.
MI5 said that more than 100 academics linked to the U.K. had contributed to projects funded through CGTRI. The agency also said that some researchers may not have known that CGTRI was financially supporting the research they were involved in.
MI5 further added, “It puts the fact that CGTRI has very strong ties to MSS in the public domain and states that academic institutions, staff and researchers should ensure they are aware of the National Security Act 2023. Any institution or individual continuing to conduct research ultimately funded by CGTRI should take their own independent legal advice.”
Potential risks
MI5 warned that research developed through these collaborations could potentially strengthen Chinese intelligence capabilities. The agency particularly highlighted the risk to the U.K. because some of the technologies involved could have applications in cyber operations and intelligence gathering.
Chinese Embassy’s Response
China has rejected the allegations. The Chinese Embassy in the U.K. described the claims as fabricated and baseless, arguing that academic exchanges between British universities and China are voluntary, lawful and mutually beneficial.
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