Overview
- Unredacted plans published by media show a chamber beside fibre‑optic cables carrying City and internet data, fitted with hot‑air extraction systems and requiring the outer basement wall to be demolished and rebuilt.
- The Times reports the Prime Minister intends to sign off the project this week ahead of a planned visit to Beijing, with officials arguing consolidation of China’s sites has security advantages.
- Nine Labour MPs urged Communities Secretary Steve Reed to reject the application, warning of unresolved security risks and potential intimidation of dissidents.
- The decision is imminent, with a cited procedural deadline around January 20 for the planning appeal on the Royal Mint Court site.
- The Chinese embassy rejected allegations of spying intentions, criticizing coverage as attempts to vilify China.