A new report has raised serious concerns about foreign interference on British university campuses. According to recent findings, some Chinese students studying in the UK have been asked by officials from their home country to monitor their classmates and report back on discussions related to sensitive political topics.
These revelations come as the UK introduces stronger rules to protect academic freedom and freedom of speech at universities. Authorities say no form of intimidation or foreign influence will be accepted in the country’s higher education system.
Secret Surveillance: Students Under Pressure
A report by think tank UK-China Transparency (UKCT) claims some Chinese students in the UK have been told by Chinese government officials to spy on their classmates. These students were allegedly asked to report opinions shared in class that relate to topics considered politically sensitive by China.
UKCT surveyed academics who teach China-related subjects. Many reported growing fears about students being watched, both by peers and visiting officials.
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Sensitive topics include the Xinjiang region, Covid-19, and the growth of Chinese tech companies. Some lecturers said students admitted to being approached to monitor classroom discussions. Others—of various nationalities—felt too nervous to speak freely, fearing their words might be passed on.
Some students were even discouraged from exploring these topics in essays, research projects, or classroom debates. This environment, the report says, is limiting academic freedom in spaces that are meant to encourage open thinking and honest discussion.
UK Universities Caught in the Middle
This situation comes as the Office for Students (OfS) begins enforcing new laws that require universities to actively protect freedom of speech. The OfS now has powers to fine institutions millions of pounds if they fail to do so.
UKCT’s report says some universities are hesitant to address the issue, partly due to financial reliance on fees from Chinese students.
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It also notes that some UK-based Chinese academics have faced visa denials or reported that family members in China were harassed due to their research. These pressures have made some academics more cautious about what they teach.
Some lecturers said they were warned by Chinese officials not to cover specific topics in class, even while teaching in the UK. Others said visiting scholars acted suspiciously or tried to influence teaching content.
Growing Scrutiny of Confucius Institutes
Concerns have also been raised about Confucius Institutes—Chinese-funded centres in UK universities that promote language and culture. Critics believe these institutes are linked to the Chinese Communist Party and may influence academic environments.
According to the report, some lecturers faced intimidation from staff linked to these institutes or visiting officials. This has sparked fears that open discussion is being suppressed.
Susan Lapworth, Chief Executive of the OfS, said these institutes will be reviewed under the new Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act. A new complaints system is also being introduced to allow university staff and speakers to report any threats to academic freedom.
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The OfS says universities must review all agreements with foreign organisations and terminate any that restrict speech or discussion.
Government Responds to Allegations
The Chinese embassy in London called the UKCT report “groundless and absurd”, insisting that China respects freedom of speech and does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs.
However, UKCT found that some lecturers were told directly by students that they had been asked to monitor classmates. These claims have created a chilling effect in classrooms, where many now hesitate to engage in open discussion.
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith responded firmly, saying any attempt by a foreign power to intimidate, harass, or harm individuals in the UK would not be tolerated.
She stated that academic freedom in the UK is “non-negotiable”, and the new laws make that clear. Citing the £585,000 fine issued earlier this year by the OfS, she said universities have now been “put on notice”—they must protect free speech, or face serious consequences.
