UK Delays Decision on China's Super-Embassy Amid Keir Starmer's Visit to Beijing
The UK government has once again delayed its decision on whether to approve China's proposed super-embassy in London, pushing the deadline to January 20th, around the time Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit Beijing for bilateral talks.
Despite initial concerns from security services that handling the embassy's security risks was feasible, ministers now expect to greenlight the plans. The government claims consolidating China's existing diplomatic sites into a single embassy would bring "security advantages." The Chinese government has agreed to combine its London premises at the Royal Mint Court site, spanning over 20,000 square meters near Tower Bridge.
The decision is the third time ministers have deferred it, citing completion of security considerations. Starmer argued that the government needed to strike a balance in its approach to China, rejecting "hot and cold" policies. He described China as a major force in global governance, technology, trade, and ambition.
However, opposition from local residents and campaigners persists, with concerns about Beijing's human rights record in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Protests have taken place near the proposed site in recent months.
The Home Office and Foreign Office had provided no objections on security grounds after formal submissions, prompting a government spokesperson to say that consolidating diplomatic sites would address national security issues. The Chinese embassy has called on the UK to approve the planning application quickly "to avoid further undermining mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides."
The decision is expected to be made by the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government in due course. China bought the Royal Mint Court site for £255m in 2018 but had initially faced setbacks after Tower Hamlets council refused planning permission in 2022.
The UK government has once again delayed its decision on whether to approve China's proposed super-embassy in London, pushing the deadline to January 20th, around the time Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit Beijing for bilateral talks.
Despite initial concerns from security services that handling the embassy's security risks was feasible, ministers now expect to greenlight the plans. The government claims consolidating China's existing diplomatic sites into a single embassy would bring "security advantages." The Chinese government has agreed to combine its London premises at the Royal Mint Court site, spanning over 20,000 square meters near Tower Bridge.
The decision is the third time ministers have deferred it, citing completion of security considerations. Starmer argued that the government needed to strike a balance in its approach to China, rejecting "hot and cold" policies. He described China as a major force in global governance, technology, trade, and ambition.
However, opposition from local residents and campaigners persists, with concerns about Beijing's human rights record in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Protests have taken place near the proposed site in recent months.
The Home Office and Foreign Office had provided no objections on security grounds after formal submissions, prompting a government spokesperson to say that consolidating diplomatic sites would address national security issues. The Chinese embassy has called on the UK to approve the planning application quickly "to avoid further undermining mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides."
The decision is expected to be made by the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government in due course. China bought the Royal Mint Court site for £255m in 2018 but had initially faced setbacks after Tower Hamlets council refused planning permission in 2022.
just when u think china is gonna get its way lol 
they're pushing the deadline again 
and we all know why 
it's not like the uk government has a secret love for china or anything 
but seriously, 20k sqm near tower bridge? 
that's like building a super embassy in the heart of london 
. security advantages? 
sounds like they're just trying to justify their decision 
and what about those concerns over hong kong and xinjiang? 
doesn't seem like the uk is taking that seriously enough 
we should be worried, tbh 
. anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out 
anyway, i wonder if we'll get that super-embassy anytime soon? maybe it's true what they say - consolidating diplomatic sites would bring security advantages lol who knows 
. Protests from locals aren't helping, either - it feels like this is going to be a PR win for China more than a genuine attempt to strengthen UK-China ties 
. Can we afford to let our guard down just yet? 
it's like they're trying to make sure that China doesn't get a free pass to build its fancy embassy without anyone scrutinizing what's going on inside 
What's he really going to talk about with Xi Jinping? 
And we're basically giving them the green light because our PM thinks they're some kind of major world player? Newsflash: China's not exactly known for its commitment to human rights, and now they've got a huge embassy just chillin' near Tower Bridge... meanwhile, our residents are still fighting for their voices to be heard 
What about the security concerns?! Are we really gonna risk it all for a "balance" of approaches? I don't think so! 
. It seems like a win-win situation for both countries, especially since security is supposed to be a bigger advantage 
... unless there's some hidden info we're not seeing 
. Local residents are still getting anxious about the whole thing though 
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade 
. When the UK delays China's super-embassy decision, just add 'security advantages' 
" 
like can you even imagine having a super embassy in London?! 
it's def going to be so cool! and keir starmer's visit to Beijing is all about making good vibes with china, right? 
i mean, china is literally the future of tech and trade, we need to get on board! 
and yeah, i know some ppl are worried bout security and human rights but like, let's not be dramatic, we're gonna make it work 
. btw, £255m for 20k sq meters?! that's a steal!!! 
I get that security is a big deal but 20,000 square meters near Tower Bridge? That's just crazy! 
. And omg China's human rights record is SO concerning 
. Can't wait to see what happens next... 
20k sq meters is a lotta space for an embassy... wonder what other secrets they got hidin at the royal mint court site 
I don't think it's a good idea to have a super-embassy in London, you know? 
. When are we gonna get a straight answer from the gov?
! Maybe it'll be a great opportunity for him to have some open and honest chats with Xi Jinping about human rights stuff? I mean, I know there's been some pushback from locals, but if China can just prove they're willing to work together on security things... why not?! 
It's like they say, "opposites attract" – who knows what good might come out of it! 
it's just so convenient for China to get its embassy set up without any real scrutiny. And what about all the human rights concerns? 
And don't even get me started on the local residents and campaigners who are fighting against this. They have a right to be heard, you know? It's not just about China's human rights record in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, it's also about what this super-embassy is going to do for London 
that the gov't wants to bring all their diplomatic sites under one roof 
, but u also got to worry about security risks 
. personally, i'd love to see more transparency about china's human rights record in hong kong & xinjiang 