MI5 has issued an unusual public warning about alleged Chinese intelligence activity targeting people in Britain. The security service says China is using an organisation presenting itself as an academic institute to establish relationships with individuals who may have access to valuable information. According to the warning, the International Institute for Strategic Studies and Research, which is unrelated to the established London-based IISS think tank, has approached people through professional networking sites including LinkedIn. MI5 believes the organisation is being used as a front for Chinese intelligence gathering and has urged academics, researchers, government officials and others working in sensitive areas to remain vigilant. The warning reflects growing concern about foreign states using apparently legitimate professional and academic connections to cultivate potential sources and obtain sensitive information. British authorities have increasingly highlighted espionage and interference threats from China, while Beijing has repeatedly rejected accusations that it conducts hostile intelligence operations against the UK.