China proposed “mega embassy” in London

A US congressional committee has warned that China’s proposed “mega-embassy” in London would threaten Britain’s national security.

The planned embassy will be the largest Chinese diplomatic complex in Europe, but UK politicians and residents have strongly opposed it since its proposal last year.

The House select committee on the Chinese Communist Party has raised serious concerns about Beijing’s plan to construct a massive new embassy on the former Royal Mint site, right across from the Tower of London.

If China follows through with its plans, the proposed embassy will become its largest diplomatic outpost in Europe.t.

The 600,000-square-foot site, which was purchased by the Chinese government six years ago for around £255 million, will house 225 residences, offices, and a “cultural exchange” structure. Since Labour came to power, the proposals that were rejected two years ago have been revived.

US worried about China’s mega-embassy in London

Washington is sounding the alarm over China’s plan to build its biggest diplomatic complex near the Tower of London.

The US House of Representatives’ Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), led by Republican Congressman John Moolenaar, has voiced “significant security concerns” about the project.

Espionage is the main source of terror. The location of China’s new embassy is the ancient Royal Mint Court, which is near the Tower of London and important financial areas.

According to the Financial Times, security experts contend that the site provides a strategic edge for any intelligence-gathering operations because of its proximity to the center of the UK financial sector.

Local concerns echo these fears. Last year, the initiative was first turned down by the Tower Hamlets local government, which is in charge of the Royal Mint Court neighborhood, on the grounds of security.

Security concerns are still at the heart of the discussion, even though UK Housing Secretary Angela Rayner later took over the planning decision.

Will this put security at risk?

Ms. Rayner stepped in last October after Chinese President Xi Jinping raised the embassy issue in a call with the Prime Minister.

Sir Keir has said he wants Britain to have “consistent, durable,” and “respectful” relations with China.

At the G20 summit in Brazil last year, he became the first UK Prime Minister in six years to meet with Xi.

There’s growing speculation that Sir Keir plans to visit China this summer, which would make him the first Prime Minister to do so in seven years.

In regards to trade, Donald Trump has frequently criticized China, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has long been critical of Beijing.

Despite security concerns, some in the UK government have shown support for the Chinese embassy project.

In January, David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper hinted at backing the plan, stressing the importance of diplomatic presence.

Their stance came after UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves traveled to China to strengthen economic ties—marking the first visit by a British chancellor since 2017.