Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly planning a sensitive diplomatic mission to China in January 2026, where a provisional agenda includes formally authorizing the construction of a politically fraught new Chinese embassy complex in London. This move, suggested by British media reports on Thursday, follows internal clearance from the UK’s intelligence agencies, MI5 and MI6, despite heightened national security concerns surrounding the massive construction project.
The anticipated visit, tentatively scheduled for late January 2026, signals the Labour government’s continued effort to recalibrate its relationship with Beijing. However, the proposed agreement to greenlight the embassy—dubbed the “super embassy” by critics—is expected to be highly contentious.
The Diplomatic Compound Under Scrutiny
Beijing initially acquired the Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London in 2018 with the intent to build a new chancery. The resulting plan envisions what could become Europe’s largest diplomatic compound, raising alarm among security experts and local officials.
Critics argue the sprawling facility, located proximate to the City of London’s financial district and critical underground infrastructure, poses significant risks concerning potential hostile intelligence activities and the surveillance of Chinese dissidents in the UK. The proposal was rejected by local planners in 2022, prompting the central government to assume final decision-making authority, with a deferred deadline set for December 10.
However, multiple reports now indicate that the government is poised to approve the project. Sources suggest the Home Office and Foreign Office are unlikely to raise formal objections, viewing the remaining legal steps as largely procedural. Intelligence and security agencies are expected to submit final advisory confirmations shortly.
Intelligence Agencies Offer Green Light
A key development in the process is the reported backing from MI5 and MI6. According to The Times, both intelligence services have signaled approval, effectively addressing the most critical national security hurdles.
This internal consensus supports the perspective of former MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore, who has publicly advocated for pragmatic reciprocity. Moore previously stated that the UK must find a way to approve a suitable Chinese embassy in London to sustain and develop Britain’s “excellent” diplomatic mission in Beijing, arguing such an exchange is right and proper despite existing security anxieties.
Contextualizing U.K.-China Relations
Since taking office, the current government has faced scrutiny over its diplomatic balance between trade and security imperatives concerning China. Starmer’s government maintains dialogue is essential, but critics contend that security concerns are being overlooked to protect commercial interests.
This criticism intensified following the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision in September to drop a high-profile espionage case involving alleged Chinese spies. Ministers rejected claims that trade considerations influenced the legal decision, while Beijing has consistently denied all accusations of intelligence interference in Britain as baseless.
The Prime Minister’s planned visit and the eventual decision on the diplomatic compound will be a defining factor in shaping the immediate future of U.K.-China relations. Granting approval would finalize a significant and contentious property deal, demonstrating a commitment to diplomatic continuity even as geopolitical tensions remain high. The decision on the Royal Mint Court site, now primarily driven by Whitehall’s procedural timetable, will immediately follow the December 10 deadline, confirming whether Starmer’s government has prioritized long-term diplomatic engagement over immediate security concerns.