China has condemned the UK government's latest postponement of a decision on whether to approve the construction of a massive new Chinese embassy in London. British authorities announced on Tuesday that the planned verdict, originally due by December 10, has been pushed back to January 20, citing security concerns.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Wednesday that the repeated delay is “completely unjustified” and that the reasons provided are “untenable.” The proposed embassy at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London, would be Europe's largest, covering 20,000 square metres (about 215,000 square feet).
The plans have been stalled for years, with critics warning the building could be used as a base for espionage. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have urged the government to reject the proposal. The UK's planning agency said the postponement allows more time for consideration.
Tom Wells, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said the Home Office and Foreign Office have raised security implications and that a decision should not be made until those considerations are resolved. Critics suggest the delay may be linked to preparations for Starmer's expected visit to Beijing early next year, amid growing scrutiny over the government's handling of Chinese spying allegations.
