China Pressure on UK University Investigated Under Security Law
An investigation into China pressure investigation claims at Sheffield Hallam University has been referred to counter-terrorism police. Allegations were made that China sought to suppress human rights research linked to Xinjiang.
China Pressure on UK University Investigated Under Security Law
Reports by the BBC and The Guardian stated that a two-year campaign of intimidation was waged by China. Harassment and demands to halt a professor’s forced labour research were included.
Officials said academic freedom was targeted and research on human rights abuses silenced.
Case Referred Under National Security Act
The referral to counter-terrorism officers was confirmed by South Yorkshire Police. It was stated that the move was made because “the allegations fall under Section 3 of the National Security Act.”
Section 3 deals with “assisting a foreign intelligence service.” Therefore, an assessment will be made on whether UK-based actions supported Chinese efforts.
It was described as one of the first major academic cases under the new law. Concerns were raised about foreign interference in UK universities.
Alarm was expressed by university staff and rights groups. Stronger protections were called for to safeguard researchers studying sensitive topics.
The China pressure investigation outcome is expected to have lasting effects on academic freedom and UK-China relations.
