White House warns against Chinese embassy near London's financial hub
The White House has expressed concern about plans to build a Chinese embassy near key financial centres in London, which could potentially pose a security threat.
What do you need to know?
- Why is the USA concerned? The White House fears that the location of the Chinese embassy near London's financial centres could give China access to confidential information.
- Where is the embassy planned to be built? The proposed location is Royal Mint Court, close to the City and Canary Wharf, as well as three important data centres.
- What are the consequences for US-UK relations? The USA may restrict intelligence sharing with the UK if the embassy is opened.
Does the Chinese embassy in London pose a threat?
The plan to build a Chinese "super embassy" in London is causing controversy. The White House has warned the UK Prime Minister against granting permission for the construction of a Chinese embassy near critical financial centres in London, reported "The Times".
Concerns relate to the proximity to critical communication cables, which may be vulnerable to attacks. A high-ranking US official told the newspaper that the USA is profoundly concerned about "providing China with potential access to the sensitive communications of one of our closest allies."
What are the reactions to the embassy construction plans?
American President Donald Trump has strongly opposed the embassy construction plans. He urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to deny permission for the "super embassy".
Diplomats warn that the opening of the embassy could affect intelligence cooperation between the USA and the UK. According to John Moolenaar, chairman of the China committee in the US House of Representatives, such a location "would pose an unacceptable risk to our institutions."
Beijing plans to redevelop the former mint buildings near the Tower of London to become the largest Chinese embassy in Europe. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy previously dismissed accusations of espionage, stating that "anti-China elements are always keen on slandering and attacking" Beijing.
