London: Britain has approved plans to build a large Chinese embassy in London, marking a significant move to enhance diplomatic relations with China. The British government sanctioned the construction of what will be Europe's largest Chinese embassy, despite receiving warnings from politicians in the UK and the US about potential espionage risks.
According to Thai News Agency, China's proposal to develop a new embassy on the site of the former Royal Mint Court, a historic site near the Tower of London, faced a three-year delay due to opposition from local residents, Members of Parliament, and Hong Kong pro-democracy activists residing in the UK. The approval comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares for an official visit to China, the first by a British leader since 2018. Officials from both nations suggested that the visit was contingent upon the approval of the embassy project.
Despite ongoing security concerns, British intelligence agencies involved in the approval process assured that any threats could be managed. British Security Minister Dan Jarvis informed Parliament that while China remains a threat to national security, a comprehensive risk assessment of the embassy project indicated that the UK's security would be maintained. However, local residents have expressed intentions to pursue legal action, challenging the legality of the decision.
The Chinese government acquired the land in the Royal Mint Court area in 2018, but saw its request to build a new embassy initially rejected by the local council in 2022. Chinese President Xi Jinping had previously urged Prime Minister Starmer to address the issue. The British government assumed control of urban planning decisions last year, leading to a hearing in February to deliberate the embassy's approval.
Some UK and US politicians have voiced concerns about China's construction plans near London's historic financial district, fearing potential interception of financial companies' fiber optic cables by the Chinese government. The Conservative Party has criticized the approval, labeling it a cowardly and shameful act by a weak government.