China's Proposed London Embassy Faces Security Scrutiny

The embassy, to be built on the site of the Royal Mint, features a network of 208 secret rooms beneath Beijing's 'super-embassy', including a hidden chamber situated near fibre-optic cables.

These cables carry financial data to the City of London and information from millions of internet users, raising alarms over potential eavesdropping.

Security expert Professor Alan Woodward described the proximity of the cables to the proposed building as an 'enormous temptation' for China.

He also noted that the planned demolition and rebuilding of the outer wall of the chamber serves as a 'red flag'.

Critics claim the room could be used to spy on the UK, with anonymous sources suggesting China could tap into the cables to eavesdrop on key information.

The proposed 'spy campus' within the embassy is intended to house more than 200 intelligence officers, fueling concerns over espionage.

Nine Labour MPs have urged the Government to reject the plans, citing security concerns and the potential for increased intimidation against Chinese dissidents.

Labour MP Alex Sobel stated the embassy could be used to 'hack or disrupt' communications to the City of London, highlighting the potential impact on financial data flow.

Labour MPs also claimed China would use the embassy to 'step up intimidation' against dissidents, pointing to broader geopolitical implications beyond data security.

Local residents are reportedly planning to challenge the decision in court if it is approved, with anonymous critics describing the new embassy as a potential 'spy centre'.

The decision on the designs for Royal Mint Court rests with Housing and Communities Secretary Steve Reed, with a deadline of January 20.