The full, unredacted plans for China’s super embassy in east London will have to be submitted before it is approved, the minister in charge of the decision has said.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed is expected to make a decision on controversial plans for China to take over the huge site at the former Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London later this month.
Several rooms on planning documents, including a basement area, were marked "redacted for security reasons" when submitted to Tower Hamlets council sparking concerns about how they would be used.
Mr Reed said considering any “threats to national security” would be paramount in deciding whether the plans are approved.
"I expect to see everything that is being proposed before I take a decision,” he told Times Radio on Tuesday.
Asked if the security risk posed by China would be a factor in the decision, he added: “Speaking in general terms, because I can't comment on that particular application, then, yes, this Government recognises that China poses a threat to national security and we see that from various cyber attacks and cyber incidents that have happened.
"That's one of the reasons why the Government has increased spending on security and defence by £600 million."
Pressed on whether the Government was prepared to put the economic benefits of a relationship with China ahead of security concerns, he said: "For this Government, as in for any sensible government of the United Kingdom, national security is paramount, and will always be paramount.
“The decision will be taken on the merits of the case in front of me, we would never compromise national security.”
China bought the old Royal Mint Court site for £255m in 2018.
The 20,000 square metre complex would be the biggest embassy in Europe if it goes ahead and includes plans for offices, a large basement area, housing for 200 staff, and a new tunnel to connect the Embassy House to a separate building in the grounds
Significant concerns have been raised about the proposals by pro-democracy campaigners and residents.
Opponents have argued the site could allow China to infiltrate the UK's financial system by tapping into nearby fibre optic cables carrying sensitive data for companies in the nearby City of London.
Pro-democracy campaigners from Hong Kong also fear Beijing could use embassy to harass and even detain political opponents.
While residents have said they fear it would pose a security risk to them and attract large protests.
China's application was previously rejected by Tower Hamlets council and then Secretary of State Angela Rayner was due to make the final decision September 9 after taking control of the process last year.
Following her resignation, the final decision now falls to Mr Reed.
