Sir Keir Starmer is poised to approve plans for a new 20,000 square meter Chinese embassy in central London, despite ongoing concerns about espionage. Reports indicate that both MI5 and MI6 have given their support for the project, with sources telling The Times that the Home Office and the Foreign Office are unlikely to raise formal objections. The deadline for the final decision has been extended until December 10, 2023, with both departments expected to provide their feedback shortly.
Starmer’s decision comes as he plans his first bilateral visit to China in early 2024, either in January or February. This visit aims to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between the UK and Beijing, although it is contingent on the embassy’s approval. A source from Whitehall referred to the embassy’s approval as likely being a “formality.”
Concerns About National Security
The plans for the embassy have sparked controversy, particularly following a recent collapse of a Chinese espionage case and warnings from MI5 regarding threats to UK national security posed by Beijing. These developments have complicated the UK government’s efforts to ease tensions with China. In 2022, the Tower Hamlets Council rejected the initial proposal for the embassy, and the Chinese government opted not to appeal. However, following the Labour Party’s electoral victory last year, Beijing resubmitted its application, which was subsequently “called in” for final ministerial approval.
On Tuesday, Dan Jarvis, the security minister, emphasized that the government will not tolerate “covert and calculated” attempts by China to interfere in the UK’s affairs. This statement followed a warning from MI5 about suspected Chinese espionage activities targeting individuals with access to sensitive information. Jarvis informed the House of Commons that MI5 has reported that China is trying to “recruit and cultivate” individuals, often using cover companies and head-hunters.
In response to these threats, the government announced a package of measures, including an “espionage action plan.” This initiative will allocate £170 million for upgrading encrypted technology used by civil servants and an additional £130 million to bolster counter-terrorism efforts and protect businesses’ intellectual property.
Political Backlash and Future Safeguards
The decision to allow the new embassy is expected to provoke a political backlash. Recently, members of the Conservative Party have urged Labour to classify China under an enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). Shadow Home Office Minister Alicia Kearns criticized the government for its approach, suggesting that it should either reject the embassy proposal or require the Chinese government to reroute sensitive underground cables away from it.
Jarvis noted that the government is reviewing whether additional measures are necessary for the enhanced tier of the scheme. The ultimate decision regarding the embassy will be made by Housing Secretary Steve Reed in a “quasi-judicial” capacity. Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrats’ home affairs spokesperson, has stated that the proposed plans are “not sufficient” and has called for the embassy near Tower Bridge to be rejected entirely.
As the UK navigates its relationship with China, the outcome of this decision will likely have significant implications for national security and diplomatic relations in the coming months.
