Media: China’s London embassy raises eyebrows over espionage fears

A senior UK minister has dismissed American concerns over Beijing’s plan to build a massive embassy complex in central London, despite growing warnings from Conservative MPs that the site could serve as a hub for Chinese espionage across Europe.

Speaking to Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said national security concerns would be addressed "assiduously" through the formal planning process, Caliber.Az reports.

“These issues will be taken care of assiduously in the planning process,” he said. “But just to reassure people, we deal with embassies and these sorts of infrastructure issues all the time. We are very experienced and we are very aware of these sorts of issues constantly, not just when new buildings are being done, but all the time.”

Kyle also sought to downplay the significance of reported US reservations, saying the UK and the US share intelligence "iteratively" and would respond fully if any formal concerns were raised during the planning phase. “We will have a fulsome response for them,” he said.

According to The Sunday Times, the White House has privately cautioned the British government against allowing the development of the embassy at Royal Mint Court — a sensitive site located between the City of London and Canary Wharf, close to three major data centres and crucial underground fibre-optic cables.

Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed Washington’s apprehensions, warning the complex could become “a base for their pan-European espionage activities.”

“I agree with the United States. We think it is a security risk in the government,” Philp told Phillips. “The Conservatives were very clear. We should not be allowing the Chinese to build the super embassy. It is likely to become a base for their pan-European espionage activities.”

He also raised fears about the site’s proximity to subterranean cables linking key financial districts, which he warned “could be intercepted”.

China purchased the Royal Mint Court site — located opposite the Tower of London — in 2018 and has since been pushing to construct what would be its largest diplomatic mission in Europe. The initial proposal was rejected by Tower Hamlets council in 2022, but Beijing resubmitted revised plans last August following Labour’s election victory.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has since "called in" the proposal, triggering a formal inquiry by a government-appointed inspector. The final decision will rest with the central government, bypassing local authorities.

Sky News noted that the Chinese embassy has been contacted for comment.

The site has already drawn considerable public opposition, with two large-scale demonstrations held there in February and March, reportedly involving thousands of protestors.

By Aghakazim Guliyev