US Congress sounds the alarm over China’s proposed 600,000 square-foot ‘mega-embassy’ in London in rare intervention_Nhy
China‘s proposed ‘mega-embassy’ in London raises ‘significant security concerns’, US politicians have warned.
Beijing is controversially planning to construct a major new embassy on the 600,000 sq ft site of the former Royal Mint, opposite the Tower of London.
But ministers came under growing pressure last night to prevent the revival of the project, which was initially rejected in 2022, over security and espionage concerns.
The US Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s intervention is believed to be the first time Labour have been publically urged by foreign politicians to quash Beijing’s proposals.
In a statement, the Congressional Committee, chaired by Republican John Moolenaar, said: ‘The PRC’s mega-embassy in the UK raises significant security concerns: from interference and surveillance to risks for sensitive infrastructure like London’s financial services.
‘We must work to urgently address this issue and work with our allies to protect national security.’
China intend to turn the site into its largest diplomatic mission in Europe with offices, 225 homes and a cultural exchange building. It bought the land six years ago for £255million, but saw proposals for the mega-embassy rejected in 2022 amid local concerns.
However, just weeks after the general election last July, officials resubmitted identical plans, raising questions over whether they may be trying their luck with the new Labour government.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy (pictured) has indicated his support for the new Chinese Embassy
Protesters gather at the site of the former Royal Mint in London on February 8, 2025, to demonstrate against a proposal to move China’s embassy to this site
Royal Mint Court, the site of the proposed new Chinese Embassy in London, Britain, 11 February 2025
Both Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have indicated support for the project, while the Met Police withdrew their objections after initially protesting.
Last night former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: ‘The reality that we face here is a terrible project kowtow in a very historic building with 200 British citizens on-site opposite the Tower of London. It’s the worst place you can have an embassy. It’s shocking – this is a con by the Labour government who want to curry favour with the Chinese. This government is now gerrymandering the planning process.
‘Everybody knows this is wrong – the intelligence and security services, the police, MPs, local people – but this government is determined to go ahead. Imagine handing over a historic building – why do we have to wait for the Americans to tell us that this is complete nonsense?’
Luke De Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said: ‘We can now add alienating our most powerful ally to the long list of problems associated with this disastrous embassy idea.
‘It’s highly unusual for foreign lawmakers to intervene in something like this. The fact that Congress is willing to make its views known shows how serious an error this would be for the government.’
Beijing have been lobbying the new government over the construction of the embassy. It was raised in talks between President Xi and Sir Keir Starmer last year, and then again between Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Mr Lammy in London last week.
Labour have pledged to carry out a ‘full audit’ of UK-China relations as they seek to reset the relationship between the two nations.
Protestors from various groups attend a demonstration against the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy, outside Royal Mint Court, in London, Britain, February 8, 2025
A protestor is detained by the police during a demonstration against the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy, outside Royal Mint Court, in London, Britain, February 8, 2025
But MPs and campaigners have warned Sir Keir against softening his stance on Beijing for the sake of economic growth. They say the fate of the mega-embassy – which will ultimately be signed off by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner – will be indicative of which direction the government will go in.
Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesman Calum Miller said: ‘The plans for the Chinese embassy should set off serious alarm bells for the UK’s security.
‘Beijing has made repeated efforts to steal our information and interfere in Britain – deepening our concerns about the government’s cosying-up to China.’
A Foreign Office Spokesperson said: ‘National security is the first duty of Government. It has been our core priority throughout this process.
‘A final decision on this case will be made in due course by Ministers in the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.’
