Britain approves ‘mega’ Chinese embassy in London despite national security fears
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- The UK government has approved China’s plans to build a large new embassy near London’s financial district, despite concerns from lawmakers, residents, and Chinese dissidents about potential security risks related to proximity to sensitive fiber-optic cables.
- China purchased the Royal Mint Court site in 2018 for around $312 million, and the new 20,000 square-meter embassy would be its largest diplomatic outpost in Europe; the planning decision was delayed three times before final approval.
- Opposition figures and security experts warn the embassy could facilitate Chinese espionage and economic warfare, though MI5 has not formally objected to the plans, even as it acknowledges ongoing threats from Chinese state actors.
- The UK’s decision may reflect a desire to maintain
