Irish security services engage with UK universities amid growing concern over Chinese espionage

MI5 has identified AI, cybersecurity and covert communications are top areas of interest to the Chinese state.

Security services in Ireland have intensified engagement with colleges over growing concerns about espionage by the Chinese state.

The revelation follows a rare public intervention by the British security service MI5, warning British universities that China’s intelligence apparatus is behind "front education companies" that fund British academics, in return for access to the research.

In a statement on Wednesday, MI5 advised British academic institutions to “immediately review any ongoing or planned collaboration” with China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI).

The security service further advises academics to establish the “ultimate funding source when conducting any research collaboration with Chinese institutions” to ensure CGTRI is not involved.

The Chinese Embassy in London described the concerns raised by MI5 as “imaginary and purely fabricated”.

It said exchanges and collaboration between British universities and China have always been conducted on a voluntary basis and in compliance with laws and regulations.

Various Chinese state research institutions, and universities, are engaged in joint research with Irish counterparts. These include substantial collaborations that have been promoted by the Irish Government.

MI5 has identified AI, cybersecurity and covert communications are top areas of interest to the Chinese state.

The Irish Examiner understands the Government, and leading officials in departments and agencies, are keen to not to say anything publicly that might jeopardise economic and educational relationships with China.

Last January, during an official trip to China, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said current research and student exchange programmes between the two countries did not “in any shape have any security risks” and said they had a financial benefit for third-level institutions in Ireland.

Despite this, it is understood Garda security service has intensified engagement with the third level in the last couple of years in relation to security concerns, including the potential threat from Chinese espionage.

The specifics of this engagement, and what advice has been given to universities, is not known.

It is thought the issues and concerns raised are likely to be similar in nature to those highlighted in Britain and some other countries.

Last month, Ireland issued its first ever “research security” guidelines for third-level institutions aimed at addressing foreign interference, intellectual property theft and unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge.

The measures were developed to counter any efforts that could “undermine academic freedom, institutional integrity or fundamental values”.

The Research Security Guidelines for Ireland 2026 was issued by the Department of Further and Higher Education following a call by the EU in 2024 on member states to develop a national response to this issue.

The document said international research collaboration was “essential” for Ireland, for research excellence, and for its economy.

“However, the geopolitical importance of research and innovation has grown significantly,” it said. “Potential risks include intellectual property theft, foreign interference, and unwanted transfer of knowledge in ways researchers do not intend.” 

The guidelines state research communities were “particularly exposed to risk” because of the openness and international interconnectedness that are fundamental strengths of modern research.

The Defence Policy Review, published by the Department of Defence in July 2024, said espionage by foreign states was a threat to Ireland’s national security, including its academic institutions.

“In the current geostrategic environment, access to dual-use goods, emerging and disruptive technology, and intellectual property can all be assessed as significant objectives of states seeking a competitive advantage,” it said.

“As a global centre for leading-edge technology, and as a geographical hub for data centres and transatlantic fibre optic cables, Ireland will continue to present a valuable target for espionage activity and the political influence and information operations that facilitate it.” 

It said “enhanced counter intelligence and cyber capabilities and cooperation with international partners will therefore be essential” in dealing with this threat.