China plans embassy in central London, raising security concerns

The UK has delayed its decision on China’s proposal for a large embassy in London, which would be the biggest in Europe and one of the largest globally. The plan faces criticism due to national security concerns, with former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove warning it could facilitate intelligence gathering and pose risks to sensitive data. Critics also highlight the symbolic implications of a prominent Chinese presence near historic sites. The proposed embassy would include over 200 apartments for staff, raising concerns among nearby residents about potential displacement.