University chiefs warned over growing 'interference' threats from China
Universities in the UK have been warned by MI5 to step up their defences amid growing "interference" threats from China and other states.
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Education leaders and politicians have been briefed on the threats, after a meeting was held with over 70 vice-chancellors last week warning of China's alleged attempts to influence their universities’ research and teaching.
Sir Ken McCallum, director-general of MI5, offered advice on countering methods including approaches through professional networking sites and financial inducements, commonly used by hostile powers.
Security minister Dan Jarvis told the Commons in November that operating in an "uncertain international context" was presenting challenges for universities.
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It followed as lawyers claimed Sheffield Hallam University halted an academic’s research into forced labour in China after facing pressure from Chinese authorities.
Leigh Day Solicitors said internal documents from the university obtained by freedom of information requests had banned Professor Laura Murphy, a leading professor of human rights, from continuing her research on forced labour.
The documents also indicated the university had placed restrictions on Professor Murphy’s research in response to direct threats from Chinese state security, according to the solicitors.
The Government is this week set to establish an "academic interfering reporting route" to be used by universities to flag concerns about intimidation and censorship attempts from foreign states directly to the security services.
Jacqui Smith, skills and universities minister, said: "Our universities' world-class reputation makes them a prime target for foreign states and hostile actors, who seek to erode that reputation by shaping or censoring research and teaching."
Beijing has strongly denied reports of the widespread use of forced labour in Xinjiang, describing such accusations as "lies intended to undermine" the country's reputation.
A spokesperson for Sheffield Hallam University at the time said the decision was taken "based on our understanding of a complex set of circumstances at the time, including being unable to secure the necessary professional indemnity insurance."
The spokesperson added: "For the avoidance of doubt, the decision was not based on commercial interests in China. Regardless, China is not a significant international student market for the university."