Overview

• A UK-China Transparency survey found widespread harassment, surveillance and self-censorship among academics and students in China studies programs at British universities.
• Chinese students reported being instructed by officials to monitor classmates and report on discussions critical of Beijing.
• Respondents said Chinese authorities denied visas to researchers in sensitive fields and threatened or harassed family members of UK-based academics.
• The Office for Students warned that partnerships requiring ideological vetting, such as Confucius Institutes, may breach the new free-speech law and face investigation.
• The Chinese embassy in London dismissed the findings as “groundless and absurd,” insisting that China respects academic freedom and does not interfere in UK affairs.