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Queen's University Belfast asks staff to review China partnerships following MI5 security warning
Overview
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has instructed staff to review existing or proposed collaborations involving the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) following a warning from MI5. The UK security service cautioned that UK universities may have unintentionally assisted Chinese espionage through projects funded by the Ministry of State Security via CGTRI, potentially exposing researchers to criminal charges if they fail to cut ties. A Chinese Embassy spokesperson dismissed the accusations as fabricated, while QUB confirmed it is taking the national security warning seriously.
Key points
- Queen's University Belfast has asked staff to review partnerships involving the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI).
- MI5 warned UK universities that CGTRI is a front company linked to China's Ministry of State Security, potentially involving over 100 UK-linked academics in unintentional espionage.
- MI5 stated that affected projects included research in AI, cyber-security, covert communications, and steganography.
- Academics who fail to cut ties with CGTRI could ultimately face criminal charges for aiding a foreign state.
- The Chinese Embassy in London described the allegations as imaginary and purely fabricated.
- Ulster University confirmed it has no research links with the organisation referenced by MI5.