Academics and students involved in Chinese studies in Britain experience harassment and surveillance, leading to self-censorship to avoid jeopardizing funding. A survey revealed that political sensitivities around the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) contribute to these pressures, with some academics changing their teaching practices due to harassment. Reports included Chinese students being asked to gather intelligence and experiencing a culture of omnipresent surveillance. While most respondents indicated financial dependency on international students from China influences university relations with the Chinese government, some institutions have shown resilience in protecting sensitive academic work.
Academics studying China in the UK face significant harassment and surveillance, along with pressure to self-censor due to funding concerns and relationships with China.
An academic involved in sensitive research halted teaching after facing harassment, including a visiting scholar from China stating, 'we're watching you'.
Respondents revealed that Chinese students reported being asked by police to spy on campus events, highlighting the persistent nature of surveillance.
Some universities show greater resilience in supporting scholars on sensitive topics, while others appear to prioritize financial ties with China over academic freedoms.
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