China has expressed vehement disapproval following the United Kingdom’s decision to further postpone its verdict on the proposed construction of a massive Chinese embassy complex in London. The British government announced on Tuesday that its planning decision, originally anticipated by December 10, would now be deferred until January 20, citing unresolved security considerations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian denounced the move on Wednesday, characterizing the repeated delays as ‘completely unjustified’ and dismissing the UK’s stated reasons as ‘untenable.’ He further emphasized Beijing’s ‘strong dissatisfaction’ with the protracted approval process, which has stalled development plans for several years.
The envisioned diplomatic compound, slated for Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London, would represent China’s largest embassy footprint in Europe. The proposed 20,000-square-meter facility would occupy strategically sensitive territory adjacent to London’s financial district and critical data infrastructure.
This latest postponement occurs against mounting political pressure and security apprehensions within Britain. Cross-party legislators and security analysts have repeatedly warned that the expansive compound could potentially serve as an operational base for espionage activities. These concerns have been amplified by recent allegations regarding Chinese intelligence operations targeting UK institutions.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration maintains the delay permits necessary evaluation of security implications. Official spokesperson Tom Wells confirmed that both the Home Office and Foreign Office required additional time to resolve substantive security considerations before rendering a final decision.
Political observers suggest the timing may connect to preparations for Starmer’s anticipated diplomatic visit to Beijing early next year, though government officials have not acknowledged any linkage between the events.