The United Kingdom has formally approved plans for a new Chinese embassy complex in central London that would become the largest diplomatic mission in Europe, triggering immediate criticism over national security, surveillance and diplomatic signals.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed signed off on the development at Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London, ending years of delays, legal challenges and local council resistance to the proposal first initiated when China purchased the site in 2018. The sprawling 20,000-square-metre project consolidates China’s diplomatic presence from multiple sites into one expansive compound, a move the UK government says consolidates oversight and been designed with input from national intelligence agencies to manage risk.

The approval has been met with opposition from politicians across parties who argue that situating the mega-embassy close to sensitive infrastructure and underground fibre-optic cables could heighten risks of espionage and data security threats.

Critics also warned that the presence of a greatly expanded Chinese diplomatic footprint could increase surveillance and intimidation of Chinese dissidents residing in the UK, including activists from Hong Kong, Tibet and Uyghur communities.

Despite these objections, British intelligence chiefs including leaders from MI5 and Government Communications Headquarters have publicly stated that while no site can be entirely risk-free, the agreed security mitigations are appropriate and proportionate for the location.

The decision paves the way for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s anticipated visit to Beijing, the first by a UK premier in eight years, part of a broader effort to balance security concerns with diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation.

Opponents have signalled intentions to pursue legal challenges and heightened parliamentary scrutiny, setting the stage for ongoing debate about Britain’s approach to China and its national security in the heart of the capital.