UK Provides Security Assurances to US Before Approving Chinese Embassy Near Key Cables
UK government plans to approve a large Chinese embassy near key communications cables despite security concerns; officials assured no sensitive government data is transmitted on these lines.
- The UK government reassured the United States and other intelligence partners that no sensitive government data is transmitted through cables next to the planned Chinese embassy as Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, is poised to approve it next week.
- The Royal Mint Court site sits alongside some of Britain’s most sensitive communications cables that transmit financial data to the City of London and carry millions of emails and messaging traffic, prompting officials to flag cybersecurity risks about data access from a neighbouring embassy.
- After security reviews, MI5 and MI6 did not raise formal objections, the Home Office and Foreign Office worked with policing, and Britain's embassy in Washington DC briefed the US House Foreign Affairs Committee.
- Some of Sir Keir Starmer's own MPs warned him against approving the plans, and protesters outside the Royal Mint site accused the government of obfuscation and warned the mega-embassy threatens diaspora communities.
- With the prime minister due to visit Beijing this month, the government will announce the decision before January 20, while the White House has not yet decided how to react and other intelligence partners seek assurances.
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