The UK has approved plans for a Chinese mega-embassy complex in central London, moving forward with a controversial project that has drawn criticism over national security concerns. The new diplomatic site, set to become the biggest Chinese embassy in Europe, will be located at Royal Mint Court, near the City of London and key fiber optic infrastructure.
Government officials confirmed the decision after repeated delays. Housing Secretary Steve Reed signed off on the development with conditions, despite opposition from local residents, lawmakers, and national security critics.
The 20,000-square-meter (215,278-square-foot) complex has long been a priority for Beijing, which bought the site in 2018 for $342 million (£255 million).
Security agencies back measures despite risks
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said intelligence agencies were closely involved throughout the process. He stated that appropriate safeguards were in place and that the government had taken steps to protect sensitive data cables near the site. According to Jarvis, consolidating China’s diplomatic offices from multiple locations into a single site also offers national security benefits.
A joint assessment by MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum and GCHQ Director Anne Keast-Butler acknowledged that no development is without risk. However, they supported a set of proportionate security measures designed specifically for this location.
🇬🇧 The UK has approved plans for a massive Chinese mega-embassy in central London — the largest in Europe.#UK #China #Embassy #London #Politics #Security pic.twitter.com/QBi9H0QBDr
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) January 20, 2026
The UK’s housing department confirmed that neither the Home Office nor the Foreign Office objected to the proposal based on the site’s proximity to sensitive infrastructure.
Planning conditions require construction to begin within three years and call for the creation of a steering group to handle public demonstrations outside the embassy.
UK decision on Chinese mega-embassy sparks political backlash
Opposition leaders strongly criticized the decision. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of compromising national security by approving what she referred to as a diplomatic concession to the Chinese government.
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller argued that the move could aid Chinese surveillance efforts and jeopardize the safety of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in the UK.
Reform UK also voiced concern, describing the approval as a serious risk and accusing the Labour government of prioritizing diplomatic relations over national security.
The UK government took control of the planning process in 2024 after Tower Hamlets Council rejected the initial application in 2022 due to safety concerns. Downing Street defended the decision, emphasizing that embassies are vital channels for international communication and cooperation.
The approval comes ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s expected visit to Beijing, the first by a UK leader since 2018, as the Labour government pursues stronger trade ties with China. Meanwhile, Britain continues to wait for Chinese approval on a $134 million (£100 million) upgrade to its own embassy in Beijing.
