Mike Baker

embassy in the city.

The decision comes despite loud warnings from British lawmakers, US officials and security hawks who argue the site could serve as a hub for Chinese espionage and influence operations.

The UK's own intelligence services have repeatedly warned that China represents one of the most persistent long-term security challenges facing the country.

So, you ask, why approve it?

Well, according to the British government, security agencies were consulted throughout the review process and concluded that any intelligence risks could be managed and mitigated.

Of course they can be.

Officials argue that rejecting the project outright would have damaged already fragile relations with Beijing and potentially carried economic consequences, there you have the reason, at a time when London is eager to stabilize trade and investment ties.

The approval comes just ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's expected visit to China, his first since 2018.

From Beijing's perspective, the embassy project is more than a building.

It's a symbol of status, legitimacy, and access.

From London's perspective, it appears to be a calculated signal.

We can compete with China strategically while still doing business diplomatically.

Critics, though, aren't buying it.

Opposition lawmakers and local residents argue the government rushed the decision and ignored legitimate concerns about surveillance, proximity to sensitive infrastructure, and the sheer scale of the facility.

Some were already threatening legal challenges, claiming the approval process was effectively decided before public objections were fully considered.

There's also the alliance question.

Britain is a core member of the Five Eyes intelligence network alongside the U.S.

and Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Washington has made no secret of its unease about China's global diplomatic expansion, particularly when it involves oversized embassies that could support intelligence collection far beyond traditional diplomatic and intel activity.

And when I say could support, I mean it will support.