MI5 Welcomes China's 'Mega Embassy' in London

British politicians are expressing alarm about China's plan to build a large new embassy complex in London. However, the country's intelligence service holds a different view. The domestic Security Service, MI5, reportedly sees an advantage in the move. China currently operates from seven separate diplomatic sites across the city. Consolidating them into one "mega embassy" near the Tower of London would make monitoring activity easier. A former British intelligence officer explains that embassies are becoming "less and less relevant" for spying. Modern technology and the nature of the Chinese threat have changed espionage. The main concerns now involve cyber attacks and influence operations, which are not run from embassy buildings. While political debate continues, the espionage community believes fears about the new facility are exaggerated.