Report: CCP-Linked Namesake Donor Funds Largest China Studies Centre
Charity UKCT is challenging King’s College London’s refusal to disclose information about any agreements signed regarding a donation.
A recent report revealed that the largest China studies center in the UK is heavily funded by a donor associated with the Chinese Communist Party’s united front work.
Almost all of the funding for the influential Lau China Institute (LCI) at King’s College London (KCL) came from Hong Kong billionaire Lau Mingwai. His initial donation of £6 million led to the institute being named after him.
UKCT raised concerns about an award given to the institute’s Director Kerry Brown by a Chinese state think tank, as well as a donor report praising Mr. Lau for his support in influencing policy and discourse about China.
KCL said that all its institutes operate independently from donors and denied any influence over research focus by donors.
Single Donor Contribution
By September 2022, LCI had received £10.6 billion from “Donor #1,” with an initial endowment of £6 million to establish the Lau China Institute.
KCL did not disclose the identities of private donors but mentioned that Donor #1’s donation aligned with the Lau family’s reported donation that led to the name change of the center.
A 2020 donor report indicated ongoing financial support from Mr. Lau to LCI.
UKCT is challenging KCL’s decision not to disclose information about Mr. Lau’s donations and agreements related to them.
United Front
UKCT highlighted Mr. Lau’s formal roles in Hong Kong government advisory bodies and connections to UFWD-backed programs.
Donor Report
The 2020 donor report acknowledged Mr. Lau’s support for LCI’s impactful work and collaborations globally.
