UK Approves New China’s Mega Embassy In London Despite Security Concerns

Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 17:23 IST

Britain approves plans for a vast Chinese Embassy at Royal Mint Court, London, despite security concerns and protests. The complex will be the largest Chinese embassy in Europe.

A man walks past Royal Mint Court, the proposed site of China’s planned mega‑embassy, after the government approved China’s application to redevelop the former Royal Mint site in east London, Britain, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor

Britain’s government on Tuesday approved plans for a vast new Chinese Embassy in central London, pressing ahead with the project despite sustained opposition from lawmakers and campaigners who warn of potential security risks.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed formally signed off on the development at Royal Mint Court, close to the Tower of London, following years of delays, legal challenges and public protests.

The proposed complex, set to become the largest Chinese embassy in Europe, has drawn criticism over fears it could be used for espionage and increased surveillance, as well as the intimidation of Chinese dissidents living in exile in Britain.

China’s government bought the Royal Mint Court site in 2018 for £225 million ($301 million), but the plans have faced objections ever since. Opponents argue the location is dangerously close to underground fibre-optic cables that carry sensitive financial data between London’s two main financial districts. British media have reported that the design includes more than 200 basement rooms near the cable routes.

The decision had been repeatedly postponed by the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, particularly amid a series of high-profile allegations involving Chinese espionage and political interference, which had sharpened scrutiny of the project.

Under the approved plans, the embassy will span around 20,000 square metres and consolidate several Chinese diplomatic offices currently spread across London.

Chinese dissidents have been among the most vocal opponents, warning that a mega-embassy housing large numbers of officials would extend Beijing’s repression of activists beyond its borders. On Sunday, opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch joined hundreds of protesters at the site.

“We do not want a country that spies on our MPs having this super-embassy right here,” Badenoch said, accusing the government of being overly cautious in confronting China’s human rights record.

Starmer, however, has insisted that while national security remains “non-negotiable,” Britain must continue diplomatic engagement with China.

The approval is expected to clear the way for a long-anticipated visit by Starmer to Beijing and a possible expansion of the UK Embassy there. Such a trip would be the first by a British prime minister since 2018.

Beijing has previously criticised the seven-year delay in approving the project, accusing the UK of “constantly complicating and politicising the matter.”

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