LONDON – The British government expects to see the complete and uncensored architectural plans for China's proposed new mega-embassy in London before it will approve the highly controversial project, the UK's Housing Minister stated on Tuesday. The demand for full transparency comes as the decision deadline looms amidst escalating concerns that the facility could serve as a sophisticated hub for espionage.
The proposed embassy, slated to be built on the historic site of the former Royal Mint near the Tower of London, would be the largest Chinese diplomatic mission in Europe. However, the project has been mired in controversy, with politicians in both the UK and the United States warning Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government to block the development over national security risks.
The government has set a new deadline of October 21 to make its final ruling after a previous delay in August, which it blamed on Beijing's refusal to provide unredacted blueprints.
This timeline places Starmer's administration in a difficult position, as it faces accusations of downplaying the national security threat posed by China, particularly following the recent collapse of a trial against two British men accused of spying for Beijing.
Speaking to Times Radio, Housing Minister Steve Reed asserted that he would need to review the entire proposal without any obscured sections before making a final judgment. "I would expect to see all of the proposals before I make a decision," Reed said, although he did not confirm how much of the unredacted plan he had already seen.
When questioned about the potential for espionage at the site, located near a two-century-old building of historical significance, Reed was firm. "This government does recognise that China poses a threat to our national security," he stated. "The decision will be made on the merits of the case that is being put before me. We would never compromise national security."
MI5 Issues Rare Public Warning
The government's cautious stance is underscored by a rare and stark public warning issued on Monday by MI5, the UK's domestic intelligence agency. The security service explicitly alerted Members of Parliament that they are being actively targeted by spies from China, as well as Russia and Iran, amplifying the gravity of the embassy decision.
The core of the dispute lies in transparency. In August, the planning consultancy representing the Chinese government argued it was "inappropriate" for their client to supply complete, detailed internal layout drawings after being questioned about blacked-out sections on the submitted plans. This refusal to provide a full picture prompted the UK government to push back its decision.
As the October 21 deadline approaches, the Department for Housing has not yet confirmed if it will be met, leaving the fate of the diplomatically charged project hanging in the balance. The decision will be seen as a critical test of the Starmer government's approach to balancing economic relations with the escalating security challenges presented by Beijing.