Links to campuses at heart of China’s military ambitions

When Cambridge University signed a “joint research initiative” with President Xi’s alma mater in 2019, it said it was “delighted”. Less than four years on, the deal looks less wise, with Tsinghua University linked to cyberattacks and high levels of defence research for Beijing. The partnership between one of Britain’s leading institutions and Tsinghua is the tip of the iceberg. A Times investigation has revealed the full extent of UK links with Chinese institutions deemed very high risk for their links to military and security research. In Britain, 42 have links with institutions considered a concern. In 22 cases British universities have agreements with Chinese institutions deemed “very high risk” by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute think tank.

Links to campuses at heart of China’s military ambitions