A recent study unveiled by UK-China Transparency has cast a spotlight on the unsettling influence and intimidation tactics by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in British universities. The report, titled “COLD CRISIS: Academic freedom and interference in China studies in the UK,” was based on an anonymous survey of 50 academics and scholars specializing in Chinese studies.

The findings reveal a disturbing pattern of surveillance and harassment, with some academics reporting threats against their families in China. This retribution is seemingly in response to research or commentary that the CCP deems unfavorable. The severity of these pressures varies among institutions, heavily influenced by each university’s funding model and dependence on revenue from Chinese students.

A significant portion of the surveyed academics indicated that the potential denial of visas by the CCP is a coercive tactic used to shape favorable narratives about the regime within academic circles. Approximately 64% believe that UK universities’ financial reliance on tuition fees from Chinese students sways administrative attitudes towards China. Furthermore, 40% of respondents know of Chinese students or staff who felt threatened by the CCP concerning their activities on campus.

Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining as nearly half of the participants acknowledged that their institutions still provide adequate opportunities and support for engaging with sensitive topics.

The issue of foreign interference is not new, with several countries taking action against covert operations such as "China-run police stations." These units, which have been found in nations including the UK, Ireland, Canada, Japan, and the US, act as extensions of the CCP aimed at suppressing dissent abroad.

In response to these ongoing challenges, the International Journal of Human Rights published a model code of conduct in 2022 for UK higher education. This initiative seeks to address the complex issues that arise from globalization affecting the nation's academic environments.

The full details of the study can be accessed through the UK-China Transparency’s report, available [here](https://ukctransparency.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cold-Crisis-Academic-freedom-and-interference-in-China-studies-in-the-UK.pdf).

For more extensive coverage on this topic, refer to the original post on [JURIST - News](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/08/report-reveals-chinese-influence-on-uk-schools-and-students/).