Scottish universities warned of espionage risk after MI5’s China alert

Scottish universities have been warned of the risk of espionage after MI5 said a Chinese research institute was tied to the country’s intelligence service.

The UK’s security service issued an alert about the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) at the end of September, urging UK academics to review any links they have with it.

MI5 said the CGTRI’s “primary purpose” is to fund research to improve the capability for espionage of China’s state security ministry.

The alert was the first of its kind which MI5 issued independently.

The security service “strongly advised” academics to review current and future work with the CGTRI.

The Scottish Government has also written to a number of institutions, saying they must be aware of the risk of espionage on campus.

Tertiary education minister Alyn Smith told the universities: “The Scottish Government takes this alert seriously.

“We continue to work closely with the UK Government, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the higher education sector to increase awareness of foreign interference risks, research security risks and to strengthen institutional resilience.”

The minister said there are confidential reporting routes if academics have concerns about foreign interference.

The letter continued: “I recognise that this alert may cause particular concern for institutions directly affected, as well as for those managing existing or prospective international partnerships.

“It is important that institutions are able to identify and manage security risks effectively while continuing to pursue responsible international collaboration.

“Strong global relationships, including our academic and research links with China, make an important contribution to Scotland’s education, skills and research sector.

“Protecting those relationships means ensuring that international engagement is underpinned by appropriate due diligence, robust risk management and access to the latest security advice.”

Mr Smyth also told Scotland on Sunday that one of the reasons Scottish institutions are at risk is because “our universities are so excellent”.