The White House has expressed 'deep concern' over China's proposed 'super-embassy' in London, citing potential access to sensitive communications of a key ally. The intervention has thrown the planning decision 'up in the air', according to local campaigners.
The proposed 2-hectare site at Royal Mint Court, opposite the Tower of London, was bought by the Chinese government in 2018 for £255m. Planning permission was initially refused on security grounds two years ago, but the government has taken control of the stalled decision. A final verdict is expected by 9 September.
Concerns have focused on critical communication cables running beneath the site, which link the City of London and Canary Wharf. Dave Lake, chair of the local residents' association, said: 'We know there are cables running underground, and we know the capabilities of the Chinese.' Former UK diplomat Charles Parton noted that rerouting the cables could resolve the security issue, but the difficulty of doing so is unknown.
The Dutch parliament has also raised security concerns. Rahima Mahmut, a leading Uyghur activist, said: 'It is really unbelievable when not only the US government but also the Dutch government express their concerns.' The government has said it is committed to 'robust' and 'evidence-based' decision-making.
