UK Greenlights China’s Mega Embassy in London Amid Security, Protest Fears

The British government has approved plans for China to build what would become the largest embassy in Europe in London, despite sustained concerns over security and the potential for protests.

Housing Minister Steve Reed granted planning permission on Tuesday, eight years after Beijing purchased the Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London. The decision comes ahead of an anticipated visit to China by Prime Minister Keir Starmer later this month, which would be the first by a British leader since 2018.

China’s proposal to construct a new embassy on the historic two-century-old site had been stalled for more than three years due to opposition from local residents, lawmakers and pro-democracy campaigners from Hong Kong living in Britain.

Critics argue the embassy could be used by Beijing to monitor or harass political opponents abroad, while residents have raised fears that the development could create security risks and attract frequent large-scale demonstrations. Politicians in the UK and the United States have also warned that the facility could serve as a base for espionage activities.

Despite the approval, the project could still face legal challenges, with residents indicating plans to contest the decision in court. Reed said the approval would stand unless overturned through a successful legal action.

A government spokesperson said UK intelligence agencies had been involved in developing a “range of measures” to manage any potential risks linked to the embassy. Security Minister Dan Jarvis acknowledged that China would continue to pose national security challenges but said a detailed assessment had been carried out and that the government was satisfied national security would be protected.

China bought the Royal Mint Court site in 2018, but earlier planning applications were rejected by the local council in 2022, citing safety and security concerns.