China has received approval to construct a large new embassy with numerous underground rooms in central London, despite concerns about espionage. The UK Government has given the green light for the embassy to be built at Royal Mint Court, located near the Tower of London. Downing Street has affirmed that it is satisfied that any associated risks are being appropriately handled.
MI5 has acknowledged that it is not possible to completely eliminate all potential risks but has stated that the work on a national security plan for the site has been thorough and proportional. The embassy’s plans reveal the presence of 208 underground rooms, raising fears of espionage given the current heightened tensions. Critics have expressed worries about the hidden rooms and the proximity of the embassy to vital communication cables used by the UK’s financial sector.
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, which has been actively campaigning against the new Chinese embassy, has criticized the planning approval as being detrimental to the UK’s interests. Various political figures, including Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws and Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesman Calum Miller, have strongly opposed the embassy’s construction, citing concerns about national security implications.
Despite the opposition, Downing Street has defended the decision, asserting that establishing embassies is a normal aspect of international diplomacy. The UK Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of China in security, economy, and climate issues, highlighting the need for a policy that acknowledges this reality.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that the Communities Secretary granted both planning permission and listed building consent for the embassy site. The decision-making process was described as fair and evidence-based, with all relevant factors taken into account. Unless challenged in court, the approval stands as final.