UK expected to approve plans for Chinese mega embassy

The UK government is widely expected to approve China’s proposal for a large new embassy complex in central London, a decision that has stirred debate and raised questions about national security, diplomacy, and Britain’s future relationship with Beijing. While a final ruling has not yet been issued, ministers are understood to have received advice from intelligence agencies indicating that the project can proceed.

The Times first reported the expected approval, which now stands at the centre of a broader political argument over how closely Britain should work with China. The planning decision rests with Housing Secretary Steve Reed, who must make what is known as a quasi judicial judgment. Because of the sensitivity of the issue, the government has consulted a wide range of officials, including senior figures in MI5 and MI6.

The process has been repeatedly delayed, and the government recently extended the deadline for a decision to December ten. The embassy would be built at Royal Mint Court, near the City of London and close to fibre optic cables that carry large volumes of sensitive data. This proximity has fuelled concerns that the site could be used for espionage. At twenty thousand square metres, the new complex would be the largest Chinese embassy anywhere in Europe.

Supporters of the project argue that placing diplomatic operations on one site rather than several could make security oversight easier. They also warn that rejecting China’s request after years of negotiations could damage diplomatic ties. However, several senior political figures oppose the plan. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel warned that approving the embassy would compromise national security and accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of being unprincipled and overly eager to please Beijing.

The Chinese Embassy in London has previously stated that the project would support constructive cooperation between the two countries and that objections are unfounded. Since Labour won the general election, the government has sought to ease tensions with Beijing. High level visits have taken place, including trips to China by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business Secretary Peter Kyle, as well as by senior Foreign Office officials.

Starmer himself is expected to visit China early next year, though he has said no trip has yet been confirmed. He reaffirmed that the government aims to cooperate with China where possible while challenging it on matters of national security. Critics, however, argue that this approach is too soft and fails to adequately address what they see as the strategic threat posed by Beijing.

Opposition leaders have also voiced concerns. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said approving the embassy would send the wrong message, especially to Hong Kong residents who relocated to the UK to escape political pressure from China.

The debate comes as fears over foreign interference continue to grow. Earlier this week, MI5 issued a warning to members of Parliament, saying individuals linked to China’s Ministry of State Security were posing as recruiters on professional platforms to gather political intelligence. With tensions rising and public scrutiny intensifying, the final decision on the embassy is likely to attract significant attention in the days ahead.