"The domestic Security Service, MI5, is already quietly welcoming the prospect of rationalising China's seven diplomatic sites to one, but a more significant argument is that modern technology and the nature of the Chinese threat means that, in the words of one former British intelligence officer, embassies are less and less relevant. Spies have long operated from diplomatic outposts, posing as officials or trade envoys."
"As is the case now with its smaller existing embassy on Portland Place, north of Oxford Circus, among them will be a handful of undeclared officers from its ministry of state security (MSS) and military intelligence. According to one former MI6 officer, they will be acting as radars', highlighting contacts of potential interest, getting to know people, all of which are routine intelligence tasks."
MI5 supports consolidating China's seven London diplomatic sites into a single large embassy because a single complex simplifies monitoring of officials across the UK. Modern technology and the evolving Chinese threat reduce the centrality of embassies for serious espionage, even though spies have historically used diplomatic covers. The planned Royal Mint Court complex would house over 200 Chinese nationals with on-site residences and include a handful of undeclared MSS and military officers who act as radars to identify contacts. A single site concentrates attention and surveillance, making clandestine operations harder and serving as a psychological deterrent.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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