Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

China warns UK of 'consequences' over mega-embassy delays

The UK government postponed the embassy decision to Dec 10 amid espionage concerns and political pressure, with the proposed site being Europe’s largest embassy at 20,000 sqm.

  • On Friday, Housing Secretary Steve Reed pushed back the planning decision to December 10, further delaying the ruling on the proposed Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court.
  • Security concerns about the site and its proximity to critical infrastructure drove scrutiny of the plans, with Tower Hamlets Council rejecting Beijing's application in 2022 before the UK government housing department took over last year.
  • At 20,000 square metres, the proposed complex would be the biggest embassy in Europe and includes offices, a large basement, housing for 200 staff, plus a tunnel connecting buildings.
  • Beijing's foreign ministry warned of 'consequences' and said the delay breached UK commitments, while PM's official spokesman said, `In terms of the planning process, as set out yesterday, this is a decision that is independent of the rest of government`.
  • The dispute complicates attempts to thaw China-UK relations while parties press for rejection, with Conservatives and Liberal Democrats citing risks to City of London data networks.
Insights by Ground AI

12 Articles

Center

The tensions between the British and China have intensified after Beijing has criticised new delays in making a decision on its "mega-ambassad" project in London, reports The Guardian.

·Romania
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 34% of the sources lean Left, 33% of the sources are Center, 33% of the sources lean Right
34% Left

Factuality 

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

City AM broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Friday, October 17, 2025.
Sources are mostly out of (0)
News
For You
Search
BlindspotLocal