UK University Collaboration with China Sparks National Security Concerns
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Amid escalating concerns over national security risks, revelations have emerged regarding attempts by a Chinese state-owned firm to exploit ties with a prominent British university to access advanced AI technology potentially for military purposes. The Guardian has obtained emails indicating that Jiangsu Automation Research Institute (Jari), known for its role in developing China’s drone warships, sought to leverage a partnership with Imperial College London to integrate AI software into military applications, including “smart military bases.”
The emails, uncovered through a Freedom of Information request by UK-China Transparency, reveal discussions dating back to 2018 between Jari and Imperial College scientists regarding the adaptation of software developed at Imperial’s Data Science Institute for military use. While the partnership initially aimed to enhance civilian applications such as maritime forecasting and intelligent manufacturing, emails suggest that Jari was exploring military uses for the technology, raising significant security concerns.
Critics, including former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith and experts from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), have condemned the partnership as inappropriate and highlighted the risks of academic collaborations with China’s increasingly militarised state under Xi Jinping. They argue that such initiatives require rigorous due diligence to safeguard against potential exploitation of British scientific expertise for military purposes.
Imperial College London, which terminated the partnership in 2021 following consultations with government officials and considerations of UK export control laws, emphasised its commitment to national security protocols. A spokesperson underscored that all collaborations undergo thorough due diligence and periodic review to align with evolving government guidelines.
The incident underscores broader concerns about the transparency and oversight of UK universities’ collaborations with entities linked to China’s military complex. As the debate intensifies, stakeholders advocate for stricter controls and enhanced scrutiny to protect national interests while maintaining academic collaboration integrity.
