Story perspectives

UK Secretly Secured Fiber Cables Near Chinese Embassy

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

UK officials secretly approved protective work on fibre-optic cables near China’s embassy months before formal consent was granted.
The Home Office authorized mitigation at Royal Mint Court.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved the actions on 19 November because of security concerns.
Minister Dan Jarvis told MPs the steps increased cable resilience and protect sensitive data.
The government will not seek cost contributions from China, saying disclosure would compromise national security.

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Story summary

UK officials secretly approved protective work on fibre-optic cables near China’s embassy months before formal consent was granted.
The Home Office authorized mitigation at Royal Mint Court.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved the actions on 19 November because of security concerns.
Minister Dan Jarvis told MPs the steps increased cable resilience and protect sensitive data.
The government will not seek cost contributions from China, saying disclosure would compromise national security.