Chinese students at UK universities asked to monitor classmates, report on talks critical of China: report 

The Chinese embassy in London rejected the findings, telling the BBC the report was “groundless and absurd”. A spokesperson said China respects freedom of speech in the UK and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

The findings come soon after a new law came into effect in the UK, requiring universities to actively promote academic freedom and free speech, even when they have partnerships with foreign governments.

The Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator, said freedom of speech and academic freedom are “fundamental” to universities. OfS chief executive Susan Lapworth has said Confucius Institutes—cultural centres funded by the Chinese government and hosted at UK universities—should be examined under the new law due to concerns about foreign influence.

Some universities may hesitate to raise concerns about interference because of the high number of Chinese students and the fees they pay, the UKCT said.

According to the report, some students from China told lecturers they had been asked by officials to observe and report on their peers. Other students said they felt uncomfortable discussing topics considered sensitive by the Chinese government, and were reluctant to pursue further study in those areas.

Topics seen as sensitive include China’s policies in Xinjiang, the origins of Covid-19, and the country’s growing tech industry.

Some academics also said they had been harassed or intimidated. The report said some researchers were denied visas to China, and others said their families in China were pressured because of their work in the UK. There were also reports of intimidation by visiting Chinese scholars and by staff linked to Confucius Institutes.

The OfS said it already has powers to ensure universities protect free speech, including from foreign influence. These powers will be expanded to include a new complaints system where staff and visiting speakers can raise concerns directly with the regulator.

Universities that fail to protect academic freedom could face fines, with one already being fined £585,000 earlier this year.

Universities UK, a group representing 141 institutions, said: “Any threats to the freedom of our staff or students are taken very seriously. We work closely with the government to prevent this.”

A government spokesperson said, “Anyone working or studying at our universities should know their rights to personal and academic freedom are protected when they are on British soil.”

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith added, “Academic freedom is non-negotiable in our universities. Any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate or harass people in the UK will not be tolerated.”

She said the new law makes universities’ responsibilities clear, and that institutions failing to act “will face the consequences”.

(With inputs from BBC)

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