Key Takeaways
- The British government is set to approve a supersized Chinese embassy in London, despite security concerns from intelligence partners, including the US.
- The embassy will be located near sensitive communications cables, but the government has reassured allies that no sensitive government data is transmitted through these cables.
- The decision has been criticized by some MPs, who argue that the embassy poses a threat to national security and the Chinese diaspora in the UK.
- The Chinese embassy plans include 208 secret rooms and a hidden chamber, which has raised concerns about potential espionage activities.
- The government has stated that national security is its top priority, but critics argue that the decision to approve the embassy undermines this commitment.
Introduction to the Controversy
The British government is poised to approve a supersized Chinese embassy in London, despite concerns from intelligence partners, including the US. The embassy will be located near the Tower of London, and its approval is expected to be announced before the prime minister visits Beijing at the end of the month. The decision has been criticized by some MPs, who argue that the embassy poses a threat to national security and the Chinese diaspora in the UK. The government has reassured allies that no sensitive government data is transmitted through the communications cables located near the embassy site, but this has not alleviated all concerns.
Security Concerns and Diplomatic Briefings
The US has expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with the embassy’s location, and the British government has briefed the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs to address these concerns. The briefing aimed to reassure the US that no sensitive government data is transmitted through the cables, which primarily carry financial data to the City of London and email and messaging traffic for millions of internet users. However, critics argue that the government’s initial denial of the existence of these cables and its attempts to discredit journalists investigating the story have undermined trust in its assurances. Luke de Pulford, the executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, has described the government’s handling of the issue as a "case study in government obfuscation."
Political Reality and National Security
Despite the concerns, the government appears to have accepted that the embassy’s approval is a political reality. The deadline for a decision is January 20, and officials have acknowledged that there are concerns about cybersecurity and the potential for financial or infrastructure data to be accessed. However, the government has stated that national security is its top priority and that it has worked closely with relevant partners to address any potential national security issues associated with the planning application. Critics, including Iain Duncan Smith, have argued that the government has "lied about the nature of the communications cabling" and that the decision to approve the embassy undermines national security.
MPs’ Criticisms and Concerns
Several MPs have spoken out against the decision to approve the embassy, citing concerns about national security and the potential risks to the Chinese diaspora in the UK. Sarah Champion, the Labour MP for Rotherham, has argued that the embassy should not be allowed to go ahead, given the concerns raised by multiple government agencies and international partners. Alex Sobel, the Labour MP for Leeds Central & Headingley, has warned that the new super-embassy poses a "real threat" to Hongkongers, Uighurs, and other members of the Chinese diaspora who do not toe the Beijing party line. Other MPs, including Emily Darlington, James Naish, and Mark Sewards, have written to the environment and housing secretary, urging the government not to approve the embassy.
Embassy Plans and Potential Risks
The plans for the embassy include 208 secret rooms and a hidden chamber, which has raised concerns about potential espionage activities. Alicia Kearns, the shadow home office minister, has warned that the embassy could provide the Chinese Communist Party with a launchpad for economic warfare against the UK. The government has stated that it will take all material planning considerations into account when making the final decision, but critics argue that the decision to approve the embassy undermines national security and the government’s commitment to protecting the British people. The Chinese embassy in London was contacted for comment but has not responded.