Revealed: The secret room hidden beneath China’s ‘super embassy’
China is reportedly planning to build a secret underground chamber at the site of its controversial ‘super embassy’ in London that could be used to spy on the UK.
Unedited plans, revealed by the Telegraph, allegedly show a secret room in the north-west corner of the building, just meters away from a vital cable network connecting some of London’s leading financial sectors.
According to the newspaper, the triangular chamber is 40 meters wide and 2-3 meters deep and contains at least two air extraction systems; This indicates that it could house heat-producing equipment such as high-tech computers.
It is part of a network of 208 secret rooms – the majority hidden from the public in planning proposals – beneath Beijing’s “super embassy”, which is planned to be built on the grounds of the Royal Mint, pending Sir Keir Starmer’s approval.
Downing Street is said to have suggested the Prime Minister approve the plans before visiting China later this month in a bid to mend relations with President Xi Jinping after a series of planning delays.
But there are fears that the new embassy could be used as a ‘spy centre’, with some critics raising concerns that China could hack into the cables and eavesdrop on important information.
The documents also reveal that the outer wall of the room located directly next to the cables will be demolished and rebuilt, further raising fears that the cables could be tapped.
Security expert Professor Alan Woodward said it was a ‘red flag’ and that having the cables so close to the building would be a ‘tremendous temptation’ for China.
Last year, The Mail On Sunday revealed that planning documents for the embassy included ‘spy dungeons’ – two suites of basement rooms and a tunnel – and that their purposes had been changed for security reasons.
Diplomatic sources also revealed that a proposed ‘spy campus’ would provide on-site accommodation for more than 200 intelligence officers at the embassy.
China is reportedly planning to build a secret underground chamber at the site of its controversial ‘super embassy’ in London that could be used to spy on the UK. Pictured: Concept plans for the embassy to be located on the site of the former Royal Mint
A debate about the planned mega-embassy has been ongoing since 2018, when China bought the 215,280 square meter site from the Crown Estate for £255 million.
Security fears were immediately raised due to the land’s proximity to sensitive underground communications in the Square Mile.
Cables along Mansell Street, owned by companies including BT, Colt Technologies and Verizon, provide communications with financial institutions in the City of London.
They are located directly between the City’s financial centers and Canary Wharf, and are close to three major data centres, including the Stock Exchange.
Those fleeing Hong Kong’s Chinese regime also fear the massive embassy will be used as a base to capture them.
Copies of corrected plans for the basement floors, which appeared in The Mail On Sunday, have also raised fears about China’s plans for the complex.
The controversial embassy’s planning documents have been revealed to include: ‘Two unnamed, unlabeled basement chambers and a tunnel’, exact purpose ‘redacted for security reasons’.
While China has denied claims that the embassy could be a center for espionage, BT told the Telegraph it had ‘taken robust security measures’ and was working with the Government to protect its assets.
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said in a post on But Kowtow-Keir will do it.’
China wants to create a major diplomatic headquarters at a historic site near the City of London
The Mail on Sunday has revealed that planning documents for the embassy include ‘spy dungeons’ (highlighted in red above) – two suites of basement rooms and a tunnel – and that these have been repurposed for security reasons.
A decision on whether to approve the embassy was due to be made on December 10, but was postponed to give Housing Minister Steve Reed, who has the final say on major planning cases, the power to examine the proposal further.
Downing Street suggested that consideration of ‘specific safety impacts’ meant more time was needed to consider the planning application.
Beijing later reacted strongly to the decision, saying it was ‘completely unfair’ and the reasons behind it were ‘untenable’.
It comes amid suggestions that failure to approve the new embassy in London could ruin Sir Keir’s plans to make his first official visit to China, which is expected to take place between January 29-31.
The Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government said it could not comment while the application was being considered. The Daily Mail has contacted the Chinese Embassy in the UK for comment.
