London: The United Kingdom government has stated that it expects complete and unredacted access to China’s proposed plans for a major new embassy in London before making a final decision on whether to approve the project. Housing Minister Steve Reed confirmed on Tuesday that the government would review the full plans, ensuring that no sensitive details remain obscured, amid mounting national security concerns.
The embassy, slated to be the largest in Europe, is planned for the historic Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London. The UK government had initially set an August deadline for the decision but delayed it to October 21, citing Beijing’s reluctance to provide detailed blueprints. Reed emphasized the importance of seeing the complete proposal, saying, “I expect to see everything that’s being proposed before I take a decision.”
The project has sparked concerns from British and American politicians, who warn that the embassy could potentially be used for espionage. In a rare public advisory, MI5, the UK’s domestic intelligence agency, alerted members of parliament that foreign spies from China, Russia, and Iran may be targeting them. These warnings have intensified scrutiny over the UK government’s approach to national security and foreign investment.
Reed rejected allegations that the government is downplaying security risks in pursuit of Chinese investment. He reaffirmed that China is recognized as a national security threat, and any decision regarding the embassy will prioritize safety over diplomatic or economic considerations. In August, a planning consultancy working on behalf of China had indicated that it considered sharing full internal layouts as inappropriate, contributing to delays in the decision-making process.
The government’s handling of the embassy approval is now under intense public and parliamentary observation. The decision on whether China will be allowed to construct its new London embassy is expected by October 21, balancing diplomatic relations with the imperative to safeguard the UK’s national security.