‘Chinese spy invasion’ fears soar as Beijing buys properties across London

An investigation claims China has bought up properties across London, many of which aren’t registered as official diplomatic residences, amid espionage concerns surrounding a proposed “mega embassy” in the capital. Beijing‘s plans to build a sprawling new diplomatic mission on the Royal Mint Court complex next to the Tower of London, which it purchased in May 2018 for £255million, have been deeply controversial, with critics claiming it could become a hub for Chinese spies in the heart of London.

The Times is now reporting that Beijing has been significantly boosting its diplomatic presence in the country as it awaits UK Government approval, registering one new official roughly every two months on average. The number of officially registered diplomats has jumped from 94 in 2010 to 142, with only the United States boasting more, it reported, citing Foreign Office figures.

Meanwhile, according to the outlet, analysis of land registry documents has revealed that China has built up a portfolio of 50 properties in Britain, most of which don’t have official status, and some have no official use.