China Pressures Sheffield Hallam University to Stop Uyghur Forced Labor Research: Academic Freedom Under Threat

Introduction

In a stark example of foreign interference in higher education, documents revealed by the BBC show that Chinese officials pressured Sheffield Hallam University in the UK to abandon research on alleged Uyghur forced labor in Xinjiang. Professor Laura Murphy, a leading expert in human rights and modern slavery, faced direct threats to her work, highlighting tensions between academic freedom and international student revenue. This case raises critical questions about China’s influence on UK universities, the protection of scholarly inquiry, and the balance between global markets and ethical research.

Originally sparked by reports on supply chains linked to solar panels, automotive parts, and clothing, the research exposed potential forced labor practices denied by China. Over two years, the university endured website blocks, recruitment drops, and visits from China’s National Security Service, leading to temporary halts in publications. This incident, unfolding from 2022 to 2025, underscores the vulnerabilities of underfunded UK institutions reliant on Chinese students.

Background on Uyghur Forced Labor Allegations

Uyghurs, the largest minority ethnic group in China’s Xinjiang region, have been subject to international scrutiny over claims of crimes against humanity and genocide, including forced labor. Professor Murphy’s team at the Helena Kennedy Centre traced these issues to global supply chains, prompting backlash.

Analysis

The pressure campaign against Sheffield Hallam exemplifies broader patterns of academic freedom suppression by China in Western universities. Internal emails from July 2024 admitted that pursuing Chinese student recruitment and publishing sensitive research were incompatible. Threats escalated in 2024 when National Security Service officials interrogated staff in Beijing for two hours, demanding cessation of Uyghur-related studies.

Website access from China was blocked starting August 2022, crippling enrollment processes and causing a recruitment decline—from 500 Chinese students in 2018 to just 73 in 2024/25. A December 2024 risk summary detailed how relations improved only after the university withheld a final report. This quid pro quo traded academic output for market access, as Professor Murphy described in her subject access request revelations.

University’s Internal Conflicts

Sheffield Hallam earned £3.8 million from China and Hong Kong in 2021/22. Amid pandemic recovery lags, fears of boycotts by agents and students mounted. A separate defamation lawsuit from Smart Shirts Ltd over a 2023 report added pressure; a High Court preliminary ruling deemed it defamatory, and insurers refused coverage for related claims.

These factors led to closing Professor Murphy’s unit in early 2025, despite funding commitments. The university cited insurance gaps and staff safety, but documents suggest commercial priorities influenced decisions.

Summary

Sheffield Hallam University’s saga with Chinese pressure began with acclaimed 2021 reports on Uyghur forced labor in industries like solar panels. Praise turned to peril as China denounced the work, blocked sites, and sent officials. By late 2024, the university paused publications, shut the research unit, and restricted Professor Murphy’s projects. UK officials, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, warned Beijing. Ultimately, the university apologized, reinstated support, and Professor Murphy paused her legal challenge. China denies wrongdoing, labeling reports as disinformation funded by US entities.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For universities navigating foreign pressure on academic freedom, especially from high-revenue markets like China, implement these verifiable strategies:

Diversify Revenue Streams

Reduce dependency on single markets; Sheffield Hallam’s drop to 73 Chinese students in 2024/25 shows recovery potential through other regions. Seek domestic funding boosts and partnerships in Europe, Australia, or India.

Strengthen Risk Assessments

Conduct annual audits of research impacts on international operations, as per the risk summary model used here. Train staff on handling interrogations and document all incidents for government reporting.

Secure Insurance and Legal Support

Proactively insure against defamation in supply chain research. Partner with law firms experienced in academic freedom, like Leigh Day, which challenged restrictions under UK law.

Promote Transparent Policies

Adopt clear guidelines on research ethics and foreign influence, aligning with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. Publicly commit to non-interference in scholarly work.

Points of Caution

UK universities must heed these risks when engaging China:

• Recruitment Volatility: Website blocks directly harm enrollment; backups via VPNs or alternative platforms are essential but not foolproof.
• Staff Safety Abroad: Threats to personnel in China can escalate; limit on-ground presence for sensitive projects.
• Funding Conflicts: External grants from US or UK bodies, as in Murphy’s case (NEH, USAID, FCDO), invite counter-claims of bias.
• Financial Pressures: Underfunding makes institutions vulnerable, as Baroness Helena Kennedy noted, linking crises to Chinese student reliance.
• Reputational Damage: Yielding to pressure erodes trust, as UCU General Secretary Jo Grady warned.

Comparison

Sheffield Hallam’s experience mirrors other cases of China’s academic influence tactics. In Australia, universities faced similar website blocks and student boycotts over Xinjiang criticism. Canada’s Wilfrid Laurier University dealt with Chinese embassy pressure on Taiwan-related events. The US has seen Confucius Institutes closed for propaganda risks.

UK vs. Global Patterns

| Aspect | Sheffield Hallam (UK) | Australian Universities | US Cases |
|——–|———————–|———————-|———-|
| Tactics | Threats, site blocks | Boycotts, funding cuts | Institute closures |
| Response | Temporary halt, apology | Policy reviews | Legislation bans |
| Outcome | Research resumption | Diversification | Reduced ties |

Unlike the US’s forced severances, UK responses emphasize warnings, as with Lammy’s intervention, balancing diplomacy and freedom.

Legal Implications

This case invokes the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, mandating universities to promote and protect academic freedom. Professor Murphy’s solicitors argued that insurance lacks or vague safety concerns do not justify blanket bans on country-specific research, deeming such refusals unlawful.

The ongoing Smart Shirts defamation trial tests defenses in supply chain reporting; the preliminary High Court finding of defamation highlights litigation risks without insurer backing. Subject access requests under UK data laws proved pivotal, exposing internal deliberations. Government statements affirm intolerance for foreign intimidation, potentially enabling further diplomatic or legal recourse.

Conclusion

The Sheffield Hallam incident reveals the high stakes of defending academic freedom against China’s pressure on UK universities. While the university reversed course, restoring Professor Murphy’s research, it exposed systemic frailties in higher education funding and global ties. Stakeholders—from unions to peers like Baroness Kennedy—call for safeguards ensuring scholars pursue truth without fear. As Chinese students number over 200,000 in the UK, fostering ethical cooperation demands vigilance, diversified strategies, and robust legal adherence. This pedagogical case study equips institutions to safeguard inquiry amid geopolitical tensions.

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