Britain's spy agency MI5 is "very relaxed" about a proposed Chinese super-embassy in London, according to sources. The embassy, which would be constructed at Royal Mint Court near Tower Bridge, has sparked concerns over espionage risks and the potential for increased surveillance.
The Security Service was briefed on the plans during a private meeting with House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in the summer. According to those who attended, MI5 officers indicated that they could manage the espionage risks associated with the 20,000 sq metre embassy. The agency has long experience dealing with national security threats posed by foreign embassies.
The existence of the super-embassy has been contentious, with opponents citing concerns over security, traffic and safety implications for local residents. Critics have also questioned the optics of allowing China to build its largest diplomatic outpost in London.
However, former senior British intelligence officers suggest that a large embassy could be an opportunity for potential surveillance. Richard Moore, who stepped down as chief of MI6 this month, indicated that a compromise on the size and scope of the embassy was likely, saying "the size of the embassy is immaterial".
Nigel Inkster, a senior adviser at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, pointed out that many countries now avoid spying from diplomatic outposts due to advancements in surveillance technology. China also recruits people online, with MI5 recently warning MPs and peers about two LinkedIn headhunters suspected of working on behalf of the Chinese government.
The decision on whether to approve the super-embassy is expected by 10 December, following delays that have drawn criticism from Beijing, which has threatened to block extensive renovation works at its own embassy in London unless its plans are accepted.
The Security Service was briefed on the plans during a private meeting with House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in the summer. According to those who attended, MI5 officers indicated that they could manage the espionage risks associated with the 20,000 sq metre embassy. The agency has long experience dealing with national security threats posed by foreign embassies.
The existence of the super-embassy has been contentious, with opponents citing concerns over security, traffic and safety implications for local residents. Critics have also questioned the optics of allowing China to build its largest diplomatic outpost in London.
However, former senior British intelligence officers suggest that a large embassy could be an opportunity for potential surveillance. Richard Moore, who stepped down as chief of MI6 this month, indicated that a compromise on the size and scope of the embassy was likely, saying "the size of the embassy is immaterial".
Nigel Inkster, a senior adviser at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, pointed out that many countries now avoid spying from diplomatic outposts due to advancements in surveillance technology. China also recruits people online, with MI5 recently warning MPs and peers about two LinkedIn headhunters suspected of working on behalf of the Chinese government.
The decision on whether to approve the super-embassy is expected by 10 December, following delays that have drawn criticism from Beijing, which has threatened to block extensive renovation works at its own embassy in London unless its plans are accepted.
So, I heard MI5 is like "relaxed" about this super-embassy thing? Like, what's next, people being calm about a bunch of Russian hackers just chillin' at the Kremlin? 
Seriously though, it doesn't sound good. The whole idea of a 20,000 sq metre embassy is already sketchy, and now they're saying they can handle espionage risks? Give me a break... 
Richard Moore's comment about the size being "immaterial" is just mind-blowing. Who says that? Like, what exactly do you get from building a 20,000 sq metre embassy if it's not gonna be some major surveillance hub? 
. Like, it's not like they're gonna spy on everyone or something 
I mean, we've got our own CIA and NSA over there 
, so I'm not sure why China's gotta be so secretive about their espionage risks 
.
. I mean, 20k sq meters is a lot of space to store all that espionage equipment... plus the traffic and safety concerns are just minor issues, right? 
. But seriously, it's like they're not taking this at all seriously. They should be worried about being spied on by China lol. And what's up with this "size is immaterial" comment from Richard Moore? dude, that's like saying a giant billboard in the middle of London won't affect the local vibe 
. Anyway, I hope someone has some sense and rejects this proposal before it's too late... fingers crossed! 
And honestly, who cares if it's a bit of an eyesore for the locals? It's not like we're going to start charging them rent or anything... 
Like, 20k sq meters of super-embassy in the middle of London? That's a recipe for disaster! 
I mean, Richard Moore saying size is immaterial just glosses over the bigger picture. What about all the potential surveillance and espionage risks? shouldn't that be the top priority? 
And what about the optics? It's already gonna be a huge symbol of China's growing influence in Europe...let's not give 'em an open invitation 
The super-embassy would be HUGE, covering an area of 20,000 sq meters. That's roughly the size of 4 football pitches! 
That's more than double what the US has spent on its own spy agency, CIA! 
The whole thing is making me nervous, like they're hiding something... 
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? And let's be real, who needs more traffic congestion in London anyway? 
. MI5 is like "we got this" and now Beijing is all stressed out 
I mean, what's the real concern here? Is it just a matter of optics or are there actual security risks involved? 
.