Britain clears way for large Chinese embassy in London

(MENAFN) The British government has approved the construction of a large new Chinese Embassy in London, ending years of debate and security concerns, according to reports on Tuesday.

Beijing purchased the 20,000-square-meter (215,000-square-foot) site at Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London in 2018 for £225 million ($302 million), with plans for the largest Chinese embassy in Europe.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed says the approval is “now final unless it is successfully challenged in court.”

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. James Cleverly, Conservative shadow communities secretary, calls it “a disgraceful act of cowardice,” while Liberal Democrats’ foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller brands it Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s “biggest mistake yet.” Reform UK also objects, citing security threats, stating it “would never have approved” the embassy.

Meanwhile, the head of MI5 acknowledges that national security risks can never be fully eliminated but confirms that risk assessments have been “expert, professional and proportionate.” A government spokesperson notes that intelligence agencies have been involved throughout, with an “extensive range of measures” to manage potential risks.

The approval comes amid ongoing concerns about Chinese espionage in the UK and reports of China targeting dissidents, fueling public debate over the embassy’s construction.

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