MI5 accuses Chinese research institute of funding academic projects to support espionage

MI5, the UK's domestic security service, has accused a Chinese research institute of funding academic research projects to support espionage activities, according to Anadolu Agency.

The security service said more than 100 UK-linked academics contributed to projects that were funded by Chinese intelligence through the institute.

The allegation adds to a series of warnings British authorities have issued in recent years about efforts by foreign states, including China, to gather sensitive information through academic and research partnerships.

It was not immediately clear what specific fields of research were involved or whether individual academics face any legal consequences. No public response from the Chinese institute named in the allegations was included in the available reporting.