China's Military Technology Gains from UK University Collaborations Exposed by New Report
In a profound revelation, Strider Technologies has unveiled a striking report detailing the extensive level of collaboration existing between British universities and Chinese institutions connected to the military. This investigation has ignited discussions surrounding national security and the implications of international academic partnerships.
According to Strider's findings, since 2020, over 5,000 researchers from the UK have co-authored more than 8,000 scientific papers alongside organizations affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). These partnerships cover a myriad of critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and aerospace engineering, alongside developments with direct military significance, including anti-jamming communications, hypersonic technology, and directed energy deposition.
Particularly alarming is the collaboration with the "Seven Sons of National Defense," a consortium of Chinese universities pivotal in the country’s defense and military technology development. Notably, there were nearly 400 joint publications with the National University of Defense Technology of the PLA, a body that falls under the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China and faces U.S. sanctions for its national security risks.
Eric Levesque, the president and co-founder of Strider Technologies, expressed concern about the exploitation of the UK's open academic system by the Chinese Communist Party. He stated, "The open academic environment is one of the UK’s great strengths, but it has been systematically exploited by China to further its technological and military aspirations. These collaborations are not benign; they engage state research entities that directly support the Chinese defense system."
Levesque emphasized the need for a clear stance from UK institutions regarding contributions to military advancements in China. The report also highlighted discussions from the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, which described China as a "strategic threat". They indicated that UK academic institutions offer a fertile ground for China to gain political influence and economic advantage, often through the acquisition or theft of intellectual property (IP).
Despite the introduction of government-imposed guidelines and enhanced national security measures, Strider's analysis found a consistent high level of collaboration between British researchers and PLA-affiliated research institutions over the last five years. The pattern indicates persistent avenues for knowledge transfer, talent acquisition, and potential exploitation by China’s state scientific apparatus. On average, there were over 1,500 joint publications annually from 2020 to 2024 amid increasing government efforts toward securing research integrity. Furthermore, more than 100 institutions from the UK have collaborated with PLA-related research bodies on STEM topics since 2020, including many prominent universities and governmental labs.
The complete report entitled "From Innovation to Militarization: How China Exploits the UK’s Open Scientific System" is accessible for review. This situation calls for immediate action and reflection on academic partnerships that may inadvertently reinforce adversarial military capabilities. Strider Technologies, as a leader in strategic intelligence, aims to empower organizations to protect and advance their technology while curtailing the risks associated with intellectual property theft and the adverse effects of international collaboration on national security. Featuring advanced AI technology and proprietary methodologies, Strider transforms public data into actionable insights, enabling clients to proactively respond to such challenges.
According to Strider's findings, since 2020, over 5,000 researchers from the UK have co-authored more than 8,000 scientific papers alongside organizations affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). These partnerships cover a myriad of critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and aerospace engineering, alongside developments with direct military significance, including anti-jamming communications, hypersonic technology, and directed energy deposition.
Particularly alarming is the collaboration with the "Seven Sons of National Defense," a consortium of Chinese universities pivotal in the country’s defense and military technology development. Notably, there were nearly 400 joint publications with the National University of Defense Technology of the PLA, a body that falls under the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China and faces U.S. sanctions for its national security risks.
Eric Levesque, the president and co-founder of Strider Technologies, expressed concern about the exploitation of the UK's open academic system by the Chinese Communist Party. He stated, "The open academic environment is one of the UK’s great strengths, but it has been systematically exploited by China to further its technological and military aspirations. These collaborations are not benign; they engage state research entities that directly support the Chinese defense system."
Levesque emphasized the need for a clear stance from UK institutions regarding contributions to military advancements in China. The report also highlighted discussions from the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, which described China as a "strategic threat". They indicated that UK academic institutions offer a fertile ground for China to gain political influence and economic advantage, often through the acquisition or theft of intellectual property (IP).
Despite the introduction of government-imposed guidelines and enhanced national security measures, Strider's analysis found a consistent high level of collaboration between British researchers and PLA-affiliated research institutions over the last five years. The pattern indicates persistent avenues for knowledge transfer, talent acquisition, and potential exploitation by China’s state scientific apparatus. On average, there were over 1,500 joint publications annually from 2020 to 2024 amid increasing government efforts toward securing research integrity. Furthermore, more than 100 institutions from the UK have collaborated with PLA-related research bodies on STEM topics since 2020, including many prominent universities and governmental labs.
The complete report entitled "From Innovation to Militarization: How China Exploits the UK’s Open Scientific System" is accessible for review. This situation calls for immediate action and reflection on academic partnerships that may inadvertently reinforce adversarial military capabilities. Strider Technologies, as a leader in strategic intelligence, aims to empower organizations to protect and advance their technology while curtailing the risks associated with intellectual property theft and the adverse effects of international collaboration on national security. Featuring advanced AI technology and proprietary methodologies, Strider transforms public data into actionable insights, enabling clients to proactively respond to such challenges.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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