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The US House Committee issued warnings about China’s plans to build a massive embassy in London, saying the project raises “significant security concerns” to the UK’s financial services industry.
“The UK People’s Republic of China raises important security concerns, ranging from interference and surveillance to the risks of sensitive infrastructure like London’s financial services.” I wrote it on x.
The committee, chaired by Michigan Republican Rep. John Mourenard, will “have to tackle this issue urgently and work with allies,” the committee added.
China wants to build Europe’s largest diplomatic compartment near the London Tower, replacing its embassy in Marylebone in central London. However, the project sparked concerns from local residents and some politicians who warned about the potential for an increase in espionage.
Last year, President Xi Jinping raised the issue of new buildings with Prime Minister Kiel’s Prime Minister Starmer. According to those who described the diplomatic talks, the Chinese Foreign Minister discussed the topic and another UK plan to build a new embassy in Beijing.
In recent years, British security authorities, particularly MI5, have become more vocal about alleged Chinese spying.
Tower Hamlet’s local government has jurisdiction over the historic Royal Mint Court site, but last year, some refused to approve the project for security reasons. British Housing Secretary Angela Rayner will later manage the planning decisions and make final decisions.
The metropolitan police previously expressed opposition to the proposed plan over concerns that anti-China protests would affect traffic, but later retracted the objection.
In January, Ramie and UK Secretary of the Interior Yvette Cooper expressed support for the project, saying countries must have diplomatic presence.
The intervention followed a trip to China by British Prime Minister Rachel Reeves, which aimed to increase economic ties. The trip marked the first visit to China by the British Prime Minister since 2017, and came as the priority government strengthened its diplomatic involvement with Beijing.
The concerns raised by the House China Committee in Washington state come when the Trump administration debates whether to approve the contract between the UK and Mauritius. .
The US is worried about the possibility that China will spy on Diego Garcia, a key transport point for nuclear submarines and bombers.
