Ireland faces 'very real' threat of economic espionage from China

Security sources say China seeks to project its ‘soft power’ but also to exert influence over academics through inducements and intimidation. Picture: Julien Behal/PA

Ireland faces a “very real” threat of economic espionage and academic interference from China, leading security experts have said.

The warning follows a report by the intelligence and security committee of the British parliament, which detailed threats to British industry and universities from Chinese authorities.