San Francisco Frontiers - UK approves plans for Chinese mega-embassy in London

The 20,000-square-metre (235,000-square-foot) site is set to become the largest embassy complex in the UK by area, and one of the largest in the centre of a Western capital.

But it could still face legal challenges and residents vowed Tuesday to act.

Housing minister Steve Reed's decision to grant planning permission came after several delays over national security concerns.

There have also been protests by activists who fear the sprawling site could be used to spy on and harass dissidents.

Reed said the decision was now final, barring a successful challenge in court.

A government spokesperson said intelligence agencies had helped to develop a "range of measures... to manage any risks".

"Following extensive negotiations in recent months, the Chinese government has agreed to consolidate its seven current sites in London into one site, bringing clear security advantages," the spokesperson said.

Security minister Dan Jarvis said China would continue to pose national security threats.

But he said after "detailed consideration of all possible risks around this new embassy... I am assured that the UK's national security is protected".

There was anger though among the MPs, local residents and campaigners who have opposed the plans.

The decision "means more interference, more influence operations and more intimidations of people like me", said activist Chloe Chueng, from the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.

Mark Nygate, the treasurer of the Royal Mint Court Residents Association, told a press conference: "We have to study the decision but we think there are a number of grounds for review which we will develop."

"This is a terrible decision that ignores the appalling brutality of the Chinese Communist Party," said Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith, highlighting allegations of forced labour and cyberattacks.

- 'Really afraid' -

The right-wing Daily Telegraph newspaper said last week it had obtained unredacted plans showing the site would house 208 underground rooms, including a "hidden chamber".

The newspaper said Beijing planned to demolish and rebuild a wall between the embassy and sensitive underground internet cables.

But the new embassy also appears to be a sticking point in bilateral ties.

China has voiced frustration at the delays and has raised the issue with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Media reports say the Labour leader, who is seeking to reset ties with the economic powerhouse, will visit China later this month.

Starmer's office has not confirmed the trip, which would be the first visit by a UK prime minister since 2018.

Ties between the two nations fell to new lows under the previous Conservative government, defeated by Labour in 2024.

While the embassy approval should help boost relations, other concerns over alleged Chinese espionage activity in Britain and a rights crackdown in Hong Kong could still complicate matters.

Last month, Starmer acknowledged that while China provided significant economic opportunities for the UK, it also posed "real national security threats".

There have been multiple protests against the embassy plans in London, with hundreds gathering outside the proposed site at the weekend.

A protester who gave his name only as Brandon because he feared reprisals told AFP on Saturday he thought the plans raised a "lot of concerns".

"I don't think it's good for anyone except the Chinese government," said the 23-year-old bank employee, who moved to Britain from Hong Kong.

Z.Phillips--SFF