The China embassy plan in London has ignited international concern and fierce debate among lawmakers across several countries. British ministers now face a difficult decision over whether to approve China’s proposal to build a vast new diplomatic complex near the Tower of London.
China wants to transform the Royal Mint Court site into what could become the largest embassy in Europe. The new compound would stretch across 20,000 square metres and include housing for more than 200 staff. However, the project has become one of the most politically sensitive issues facing the UK government.
China purchased the Royal Mint Court land in 2018 for £255 million. Although Tower Hamlets Council initially rejected the planning application in 2022, China submitted an identical proposal soon after Labour entered government in 2024. Since then, ministers have been reviewing the plan closely.
Concerns grew dramatically after reports revealed that fibre-optic cables linking the City of London and Canary Wharf run beneath the site. These connections raised fears that the embassy could access sensitive financial data. As a result, the China embassy plan has evolved from a local planning issue into a matter of global security.
Lawmakers in allied nations, including New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, have also voiced alarm. New Zealand MPs from multiple parties warned that the embassy’s construction could pose risks to financial services and data protection. Similarly, Dutch and Swiss politicians urged their governments to monitor the project closely and demand clarity from the UK.
In Washington, a White House official expressed “deep concern” about possible exposure of allied communications. Several European members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China have since pressed for transparency.
Meanwhile, residents living beside the proposed site fear the embassy could disrupt their lives. They worry about safety, privacy, and potential displacement if strict security measures force changes to the surrounding area. One local resident said nearby businesses, including a nursery and a salon, may feel intimidated by the presence of armed guards.
The project has also sparked legal questions. Critics argue that China redacted parts of its blueprint, preventing full public scrutiny. Senior lawyers say the housing secretary cannot make a fully informed decision without access to those details. The government insists it expects full transparency before approving any construction.
In addition, legal experts have warned about the implications of diplomatic immunity. Although China pledged to waive immunity on a small section of public space, lawyers note that such a promise carries little legal weight and could be revoked.
Some parliamentarians claim the location’s high visibility near Tower Bridge might actually reduce the risk of misconduct. Others argue that its central position could make it a hub for interference.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces intense pressure from both sides. Approving the plan could strain relations with allies, while rejection might provoke retaliation from Beijing. Analysts agree that, regardless of the outcome, the China embassy plan represents a defining test of Britain’s diplomatic resolve and national security priorities.
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