Concerns Raised Over China’s Proposed Mega-Embassy in London
Members of the US Congress have urged the UK government to reconsider its support for China’s ambitious plan to establish a “mega-embassy” in central London, citing serious security risks highlighted by The i Paper. The US Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has expressed alarm, warning that the project could lead to threats including interference, surveillance, and potential vulnerabilities to critical infrastructure, particularly in London’s financial sector.
In a post shared on X, the committee emphasized: “We must work to urgently address this issue and collaborate with our allies to safeguard national security.” This statement follows revelations from The i Paper that lobbyists with strong connections to the Labour Party have been engaged by the Chinese embassy to facilitate its controversial planning application for a significant redevelopment project near the City of London.
Last month, The i Paper reported that the proposed site for the new embassy is alarmingly close to vital communication cables, which have raised concerns among British intelligence officials about potential espionage activities. A report compiled by intelligence agencies in 2019 specifically highlighted worries regarding these cables, according to sources familiar with the document.
- China has dismissed the allegations of espionage as “entirely baseless and unreliable.” A spokesperson for the embassy stated, “Anti-China elements are always eager to fabricate facts, slandering and attacking China.”
- The UK government has been making efforts to improve its political and economic ties with China in recent months, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves visiting China in January to encourage investment.
- A public inquiry is currently examining the proposed redevelopment of Royal Mint Court in Tower Hamlets, although the ultimate decision rests with Angela Rayner.
Despite the Prime Minister indicating in December his hope for the project to proceed, the recent pushback from US lawmakers presents a significant challenge for the government amidst existing diplomatic strains with the US, particularly regarding Ukraine and the Chagos Islands.
Martijn Rasser, a former CIA senior intelligence analyst, cautioned in December that approving the Chinese embassy project could have “serious negative implications” for transatlantic relations. He remarked: “The UK plays a crucial role in the Five Eyes alliance, and its bilateral relationship with the US is vital. This would raise considerable concerns in Washington about Britain’s reliability as an intelligence partner.”
Craig Singleton, a former US diplomat, added: “If the UK proceeds with this plan, the US may consider potential mitigative actions—either publicly or privately.”
The bipartisan committee is chaired by Republican Representative John Moolenaar, who voiced in a recent speech his belief that China perceives the US as “an adversary to be undermined rather than a partner.” He urged Congress to align with the Trump administration on this matter, asserting that Beijing “poses a military threat to America and our allies,” and that the US must “prevail in the competition” against the Chinese Communist Party.
The UK government has been approached for further commentary on this issue. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy stated: “With the consent of the UK government, the Chinese government purchased the necessary property a few years ago. Host nations have an international obligation to support and facilitate the establishment of diplomatic missions. Both China and the UK need new embassies in each other’s capitals, and both sides should work to facilitate this.”
Furthermore, the spokesperson expressed a commitment to fostering friendship between the Chinese and British people and enhancing the development of bilateral relations. They asserted that “Building the new embassy promptly would enable us to better fulfill these responsibilities.”
