On September 30, 2026, the UK security service MI5 issued its first public Espionage Alert. The document accuses the China General Technology Research Institute, also known as the China Academy of General Technology, of acting as a conduit for Chinese intelligence operations.
MI5 claims the institute provided funding for research projects involving artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, steganography, and covert communications. According to the alert, more than 100 UK academics participated in these projects without knowing the source of the funding.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis has instructed UK university vice-chancellors to terminate all existing and planned collaborations with the institute. The directive cites the 2023 National Security Act, which allows for legal action against entities assisting foreign intelligence.
The Chinese embassy in London has rejected the allegations, labeling them as fabricated claims that harm educational cooperation. MI5 stated that it opted for a public alert after determining that private warnings to institutions were insufficient.
