The UK government has postponed its decision on whether to approve China’s planned super-embassy in London until 20 January, aligning with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s expected visit to Beijing. This marks the third delay in the decision-making process.
Ministers are anticipated to greenlight the controversial plans after the Home Office and Foreign Office raised no objections on security grounds. A government spokesperson stated that consolidating China’s seven existing diplomatic sites in London into a single embassy “clearly brings security advantages.”
The proposed embassy, located at the Royal Mint Court site near Tower Bridge, would become China’s largest diplomatic outpost globally. The Chinese government purchased the 20,000 square metre site for £255 million in 2018, but plans stalled after Tower Hamlets council refused planning permission in 2022.
In a letter, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that their departments had “carefully considered the breadth of considerations” related to the embassy and worked with police to address national security issues. They emphasised the importance of functioning diplomatic premises while upholding national security.
The plans have faced fierce opposition from local residents and campaigners concerned about China’s human rights record in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Several protests have taken place near the site. A Chinese embassy spokesperson expressed strong displeasure over the repeated postponements and called for swift approval to avoid undermining mutual trust.
