Yes. On 30 September 2026, the UK’s domestic security service MI5 issued a rare public alert saying China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), also known as the China Academy of General Technology, has “very strong ties” to China’s Ministry of State Security and that its primary purpose is to fund academic research that improves MSS technical capability for espionage. MI5 said more than 100 UK-linked academics have contributed to CGTRI-funded projects—including on AI, cyber-security, covert communications and steganography—often without knowing the link to Chinese intelligence, and advised universities to end collaborations. Security minister Dan Jarvis wrote to vice-chancellors to cut ties, noting continued assistance could engage offences under the National Security Act 2023.
Source: BBC News — China funding UK research and sending it to Beijing’s spies, MI5 warns