Britain's government approves new Chinese Embassy in London
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- The UK government approved plans for a large new Chinese Embassy in central London despite widespread criticism over security and espionage concerns, with the building set to be the largest Chinese Embassy in Europe.
- Critics, including lawmakers and dissidents, argue the embassy could facilitate Chinese intelligence-gathering and intimidation of exiled activists, especially given its proximity to sensitive underground fiber optic cables linking key financial districts.
- UK security agencies MI5 and GCHQ acknowledged risks but stated that comprehensive security measures have been implemented, and no national security bodies objected to the embassy's location or design.
- Opposition politicians and human rights advocates condemned the decision as a concession to Beijing, while the government emphasized balancing national security with the need for diplomatic engagement.
- The approval is
