Chinese university students told to spy on classmates, report says

A recent report has revealed that Chinese students studying at universities in the United Kingdom are being pressured to monitor and report on their classmates, especially if they discuss topics that are considered sensitive by the Chinese government. The report, published by the UK-China Transparency think tank, surveyed academics who specialize in China studies. It found that not only are students being asked to spy on each other, but some Chinese government officials have also warned university lecturers in the UK to avoid certain subjects in their classes. This news comes just after a new law was introduced in the UK, which places more responsibility on universities to protect academic freedom and free speech. The law requires universities to actively promote these freedoms, even when they have partnerships or agreements with foreign countries. If universities fail to do this, they could face penalties from the Office for Students, the UK’s higher education regulator. The Chinese embassy in London has dismissed the report, calling it 'groundless and absurd. ' They insist that China respects freedom of speech in the UK and elsewhere. However, the report suggests that some UK universities are hesitant to address the issue of Chinese interference because they rely heavily on the tuition fees paid by Chinese students. The report also highlights that some Chinese academics working on sensitive research topics have been denied visas by the Chinese government. Others have reported that their family members in China have been harassed or threatened because of their work in the UK. Sensitive topics can include anything from science and technology to politics and history, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, the origins of Covid, or the growth of Chinese technology companies. Some academics have even reported being intimidated by visiting Chinese scholars or officials, as well as by staff at Confucius Institutes. These institutes are partnerships between UK and Chinese universities, funded in part by a Chinese government agency. They aim to promote Chinese language and culture, but have faced criticism for their alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party and concerns about their influence on free speech. The Office for Students has said it will investigate Confucius Institutes under the new free speech laws, due to worries that they could threaten open discussion on campuses. The regulator already has the power to ensure universities protect free speech, including from foreign influence, and these powers will soon be strengthened with a new complaints system. This system will allow university staff and visiting speakers to report any threats to free speech directly to the Office for Students. The regulator has also advised universities to review and, if necessary, end any agreements with foreign countries that could threaten free speech, even if it means losing financial support. According to the report, some Chinese students have told their lecturers that they were asked by Chinese officials to spy on their peers. Other students, from various backgrounds, said they felt uncomfortable discussing topics that are sensitive to the Chinese government and were less likely to pursue further study in these areas. Universities UK, which represents 141 institutions, said they take any threats to the freedom of their staff or students very seriously and work closely with the government to prevent them. They emphasized that everyone at UK universities should know their rights to personal and academic freedom are protected. The UK government has also made it clear that any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate, harass, or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated. They are working with the Office for Students to help universities safeguard free speech and tackle any form of harassment on campus. The government has stated that academic freedom is non-negotiable in the UK’s world-leading institutions, and the new law makes this clear. Universities have been warned that they must do their part to protect these freedoms or face consequences. This situation highlights the challenges universities face in balancing international partnerships and financial interests with the need to protect free speech and academic freedom for all students and staff.