Why is China’s UK ‘mega embassy’ so controversial | FT #shorts

Geopolitical Implications - The UK government is reviewing China's application for a new mega embassy in London, a decision that will significantly impact British-Chinese relations for decades [5] - US officials and other critics are concerned that the embassy's location opposite the city could be used by China as a listening post, especially given the sensitive data cables in the area [3] - The UK government requested clarification from China regarding blacked-out sections in the embassy's floor plans, raising security concerns [5] Project Details & Controversies - China purchased the Royal Mint Court site in 2018 for the new embassy, a 5-acre site that will be approximately 20 times larger than China's current UK embassy [1][2] - Tower Hamlets, the London borough hosting the embassy, initially rejected China's planning application in 2022 due to concerns from residents and activists about road congestion, protests, and the plight of China's Uyghurs [3][4] - Delays in the embassy project have reportedly irritated China, leading to reciprocal delays in the 100 million pound renovation of the UK's embassy in Beijing [5] Economic Considerations - Post-Brexit, the UK aims to strengthen trade relations with markets like China, adding complexity to the decision regarding the embassy project [4]