UK Security Minister: Over 100 academics inadvertently contributed to espionage research for China

London, Sept 30 (KUNA) -- British Home Secretary Dan Jarvis revealed on Wednesday that more than 100 British academics had inadvertently contributed to Chinese scientific espionage operations targeting the United Kingdom. In a press statement, Jarvis said that Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, had issued a warning bulletin to universities, scientific institutions, and academics, cautioning against continuing cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Governance (CAG), and noting that institutions and academics involved could face charges related to assisting a foreign entity. He clarified that British intelligence assessments link the CAG to China’s Ministry of State Security, adding that the institute’s objective is to fund research that bolsters Beijing’s espionage-related technological capabilities. Jarvis explained that the British academics in question had participated in specialized research after receiving indirect funding from China’s Ministry of State Security through the institute, unaware of the true connection between the two and the objectives of the research. He noted that the practical research primarily focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communication systems, and other technological capabilities. It is worth noting that relations between China and the United Kingdom, as well as Western countries, are complex, combining massive economic cooperation with strategic and political competition, which has led the West to accuse China of stealing its advanced technology. (End) M.R.N./S.A.M.