US weighs in with concerns over China’s proposed ‘super-embassy’ in London
Guardian3 days
Chinese Super-Embassy in London Nears Approval
Above: Exterior of the former Royal Mint building, the possible location of a future Chinese embassy, on June 10, 2025. Image copyright: Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
China's proposed super-embassy is a clear and present danger to British national security. The facility's planned location, near the City of London and underground cables, would allow Chinese operatives, who have experience in tapping into sensitive communications, to spy on British financial and government data. This poses an intolerable risk to the U.K. and must be stopped.
Pro-China narrative
A new Chinese embassy would significantly improve U.K.-China relations. The expanded facilities would allow China to fulfill its diplomatic responsibilities to the U.K. while funding a high-quality development scheme in the Tower Hamlets area. Contrary to some inflammatory claims, the new embassy will fully comply with U.K. laws and regulations.