How China is trying to silence UK academics
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Today in Focus
This episode is titled:
How China is trying to silence UK academics
Notable Quotes
"We show supply chains, we trace them all the way to the Western markets."
"It feels like I need to weigh in on this issue."
"My work is not going to change based on these pressures."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
This episode of Today in Focus explores the increasing pressures faced by UK academics from the Chinese government, specifically focusing on Laura Murphy, a professor dedicated to research on forced labor among the Uyghurs in China. Murphy's investigations uncovered state-imposed labor systems that exploit the ethnic minority, particularly in the Xinjiang region. Her work gained significant traction, being cited by Western governments and organizations, but it also drew the ire of the Chinese government.
In 2022, as pressure mounted, Sheffield Hallam University became hesitant to support her work due to fears from the Chinese government. Following Murphy’s involvement with the Biden administration and her efforts to combat forced labor practices, the university started receiving threats, including interrogations of staff in Beijing related to her research. As a consequence, the university decided to cease their support for Murphy's research, partly citing insurance concerns but also due to worries about losing Chinese student enrollment.
Murphy recounted how her research was taken offline and faced intense scrutiny, indicating a broader issue where UK universities appear to be capitulating to external pressures from China due to their financial interests in the Chinese education market. The podcast also implies a critical shift in UK-China relations, suggesting that commercial interests may overshadow academic freedom. Other academics shared concerns over their own experiences with censorship and intimidation connected to Chinese state interests. Ultimately, Murphy reaffirms her commitment to her work related to Uyghur forced labor, despite the challenges posed by university policies and international pressures.
In 2022, as pressure mounted, Sheffield Hallam University became hesitant to support her work due to fears from the Chinese government. Following Murphy’s involvement with the Biden administration and her efforts to combat forced labor practices, the university started receiving threats, including interrogations of staff in Beijing related to her research. As a consequence, the university decided to cease their support for Murphy's research, partly citing insurance concerns but also due to worries about losing Chinese student enrollment.
Murphy recounted how her research was taken offline and faced intense scrutiny, indicating a broader issue where UK universities appear to be capitulating to external pressures from China due to their financial interests in the Chinese education market. The podcast also implies a critical shift in UK-China relations, suggesting that commercial interests may overshadow academic freedom. Other academics shared concerns over their own experiences with censorship and intimidation connected to Chinese state interests. Ultimately, Murphy reaffirms her commitment to her work related to Uyghur forced labor, despite the challenges posed by university policies and international pressures.
Key Takeaways
- UK universities are increasingly susceptible to pressures from the Chinese government to censor research critical of China's human rights record.
- Laura Murphy's investigations into Uyghur forced labor led to significant findings that were politically contentious, prompting backlash from the Chinese government.
- There is a growing concern among academics about the potential for self-censorship in response to threats from Chinese state security.
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