Foundational American Ally Approves Chinese Super-Embassy In Capital
The UK’s Labour Party-controlled government has approved plans for China to build a sprawling new embassy complex in central London, despite warnings from lawmakers, security officials, and Chinese dissidents who say the project poses serious national security risks.
British Housing Secretary Steve Reed formally signed off Tuesday on the 600,000-square-foot complex at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London and the city’s financial district. The approval comes just days before Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to visit China — the first by a British prime minister since 2018 — to boost diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing.
Critics have long warned that the embassy could be used for intelligence gathering or to monitor and intimidate Chinese nationals and dissidents living in the UK.
“Labour’s greenlighting of the Chinese Embassy has gifted the Chinese Communist Party a launchpad for economic warfare in the heart of London,” Alicia Kearns, the shadow minister for national security and safeguarding for the opposition Conservative Party, wrote on X following the decision. “What message does it send to the CPC which has committed cyber attacks, attempted to attack our parliament, and intimidates those who sought refuge here?”
China purchased the site in 2018 for roughly £255 million. The historic property, once used to mint Britain’s currency, faced repeated delays and legal challenges. Local authorities initially rejected the embassy plans in 2022 over safety and security concerns, prompting Beijing to pressure the UK government. (Read more from “Foundational American Ally Approves Chinese Super-Embassy In Capital” HERE)
