CHINA is sending undercover military scientists to western universities to work on strategic research in a bid to collect information about state-of-the-art military technology from its rivals, new research has revealed.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has deliberately sent scientists to institutions - largely in the UK, US, Germany, Australia and Singapore - to acquire covert information on cutting-edge technology including hypersonic missiles and navigation technology.
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| China is reportedly sending students to western universities to acquire covert military information |
The think tank commented on the findings, saying: “These scientists use various kinds of cover, ranging from the use of misleading historical names for their institutions to the use of names of non-existent institutions.”
It also revealed the majority of the scientists came from leading Chinese military academies, including the National University of Defence Technology, which is run by the Central Military Commission.
Despite the findings, ASPI warned many western institutions are failing to mitigate against the covert transfer of sensitive data, and are oblivious to their inadvertent role in the development of the PLA.
Alex Joske, the report’s author, said: “Helping a rival military develop its expertise and technology isn’t in the national interest, yet it’s not clear that Western universities and governments are fully aware of this phenomenon.
“Some universities have failed to respond to legitimate security concerns in their engagement with China.”
In a sharp warning to western institutions, he added: “Current policies by governments and universities have not fully addressed issues like the transfer of knowledge and technology through collaboration with the PLA.”
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| Chinese military students are reportedly using 'various kinds of cover' in the West |
Mr Joske warned China was encouraging its scientists and academics to “work on areas of interest to the military while they are overseas”.
He noted the process is described as “picking flowers in foreign lands to make honey in China” by the PLA, and warned the practice may “harm the West’s strategic advantage”.
China’s aggressive foreign policy was felt by the US in June, when hackers connected to the Chinese government stole sensitive data about US naval and undersea war plans from a military contractor.
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| The ASPI warned that western institutions are failing to mitigate against the issue |
The US Justice Department charged a Chinese state-owned company on Thursday for attempting to steal secrets from US chipmaker Micron Technology Inc.
They announced Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co. and United Microelectronics Corp were indicted, along with three other individuals.
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions commented on the findings, saying: “Chinese economic espionage against the United States has been increasing, and it has been increasing rapidly.
“It is time for China to join the community of lawful nations. International trade has been good for China, but the cheating must stop.”
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