UK approves Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ despite espionage concerns

The United Kingdom on Tuesday authorized a massive new Chinese embassy in London, despite international concerns that the facility could be used to spy on the country. 

The embassy, set to be China’s largest in Europe, will sit on the Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London. Members of parliament within both the ruling Labor and opposition Conservative parties have been outspoken in their objections, while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) weighed in on the dispute this week, citing concerns that “China would have such a prominent place.” 

Housing Secretary Steve Reed dismissed critics this week, formally approving plans for the $301 million site after a seven-year delay. The “quasi-judicial” decision had been made “fairly, based on evidence and planning rules,” he said, adding that