A report by MPs raising concerns about Chinese influence in British universities has prompted warnings from a former MSP about institutions “opening their doors to the gathering of intelligence and promulgation of propaganda” by China.
Politicians have been slow to realise the threat and face a “nightmare scenario” of China controlling sensitive national infrastructure, including universities, the report found.
According to a document from Westminster’s intelligence and security committee, universities have been a “rich feeding ground” for China to seek intellectual property.
It also says that the UK government has “shown very little interest in warnings from academia” about China’s leveraging of fees and funding, influence over UK academics through inducements and intimidation, and the “monitoring and controlling” of Chinese students.
