Plans for a massive Chinese embassy in London may offer “security benefits,” according to an official spokesperson for the Prime Minister, even amid concerns voiced by critics.
Downing Street emphasized the potential security enhancement from consolidating the seven Chinese diplomatic sites currently spread across London, as the timeline for a decision on planning permission was delayed for the third time, now extending into next year.
Some critics fear that, if approved, this expansive embassy could become a significant center for espionage within the capital.
Nonetheless, the government is poised to grant approval for the embassy on January 20 of next year.
This marks the third delay in the decision regarding the embassy, reportedly intended to allow for further consultation with stakeholders.
In correspondence reviewed by a group opposing the initiative, the Interparliamentary Alliance on China, both the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary indicated their efforts have been directed toward ensuring that the “national security concerns” linked to the new embassy are thoroughly addressed.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper noted their apprehensions have been alleviated, as China has agreed to relocate all its accredited diplomats in London to one site, should the project receive approval.
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson conveyed that this consolidation would “clearly provide security advantages” for the UK.
“If planning for a new embassy is approved, it will replace seven distinct locations currently utilized as China’s diplomatic presence in London, which undoubtedly enhances security,” he stated.
He also mentioned that both the Home Office and Foreign Office have shared insights on specific security implications and insisted that any decision should only occur once all considerations have been addressed.
If the plans proceed, the Chinese embassy would become the largest in Europe, accommodating 200 staff on-site along with office spaces and an expansive basement.
Located on Royal Mint Court, the site is also near critical fiber optic cables that transport significant amounts of sensitive data to the City of London.
Concerns emerged when planning documents submitted to Tower Hamlets council featured sections redacted for “security reasons.”
During the summer, then-Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had given China two weeks to clarify the intended use of particular rooms, and officials now seem to be satisfied with the explanations provided.
The Chinese Embassy in the UK previously asserted that the new facility would bolster “mutually beneficial cooperation” between China and the UK, arguing that the opposition to the site lacks justification.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the complex dynamics of UK-China relations in a speech outlining his foreign policy priorities in the City of London on Monday.
He emphasized that while China remains a “defining force in technology, trade, and global governance,” it is also essential to acknowledge the “realities” of the national security threats posed by China. He expressed a desire to capitalize on potential export opportunities in finance, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods.
The head of MI5 has categorized Chinese state actors as a persistent national security risk to the UK and issued an unusual espionage alert last month regarding two identified Chinese individuals on LinkedIn targeting members of Parliament and their staff, a claim that China has denied.
Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly accused Labour of attempting to “steamroll” the planning approval process “without sufficient scrutiny” and despite the “dangers it poses to Britain’s national security,” criticizing ministers for lacking the “courage to confront China.”
“Throughout this process, ministers have tried to suppress criticisms of the embassy plans,” he said.
“He noted that even security services were restricted from providing private evidence to the inquiry.
“The government must guarantee that these concerns can be submitted through a private hearing, shielded from the gaze of the Beijing regime, and that authorities access the complete unredacted plans obscured by the Chinese government.”
A representative from the Chinese Embassy in London expressed, “We strongly condemn the repeated delays by the UK government regarding the planning application for the new Chinese Embassy project.
“We urgently call on the UK to expedite approval of our planning application to avoid further damage to the mutual trust and cooperation between our two countries.”
