A controversial plan for a massive new Chinese embassy complex in central London is poised to receive formal approval as early as next week, according to government sources. The decision is expected to come shortly before Prime Minister Keir Starmer's anticipated diplomatic visit to Beijing at the end of January.
Security Fears and Parliamentary Opposition
The proposed 20,000 square metre complex at Royal Mint Court, near Tower Bridge, has sparked significant alarm among Labour backbenchers. During an urgent question in the House of Commons, multiple MPs voiced profound concerns over potential security risks and the facility's impact on exiled communities from Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
Shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns led the charge, citing a Daily Telegraph report that revealed unredacted plans showing a network of over 200 subterranean rooms. One of these rooms is reportedly situated alongside communication cables that carry data to the City of London. Kearns warned this access "would give the Chinese Communist party a launch pad for economic warfare against our nation" and create a "daily headache" for UK security services.
A 'Quasi-Judicial' Process Under Scrutiny
Responding to the urgent question, Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasised the independence of the decision-making process. He stated he could not comment on the specifics as it was a "quasi-judicial" process, but assured MPs that any new information would be assessed and that the planning process had not been compromised.
Despite the political furore, security service MI5 is understood to have raised no objections to the project, a position previously reported by The Guardian. Government officials acknowledge the convenient timing of the approval ahead of Starmer's trip but insist there has been no political pressure applied to the planning authorities.
Concerns for Diaspora Communities
Beyond security, a major theme of the parliamentary debate was the potential threat to UK-based diaspora groups. Labour MPs highlighted fears that the new diplomatic mission could be used to monitor or intimidate exiles.
Sarah Champion, chair of the international development select committee, stated unequivocally: "Every security briefing I've had identifies China as a hostile state to the UK. I am in no doubt this mega-embassy should not be allowed to go ahead."
MPs including Alex Sobel and Rushanara Ali focused on the repercussions for residents originally from Hong Kong, Tibet, or Xinjiang, noting the area's large Muslim population. James Murray, MP for Ealing North, framed the issue as one of national security and the safety of diaspora groups.
The final consultation on the embassy plans is now complete, and a decision is imminent. While the approval is likely to facilitate smoother diplomatic talks during Starmer's upcoming visit, it leaves a significant section of the governing party deeply uneasy about the long-term implications of hosting one of China's largest overseas diplomatic compounds.
