London [UK], August 27 (ANI): The UK government has postponed its decision on China’s proposed large embassy in London after Beijing refused to provide fully unredacted architectural plans for certain buildings within the project, raising ongoing concerns over transparency and security. The new deadline has been extended from September 9 to October 21, 2025, reports Phayul.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, overseeing the planning application, requested detailed internal layouts and clarifications for unclear sections, particularly the Cultural Exchange Building and Embassy House. China responded that the information already shared is sufficient and complies with planning norms, rejecting further demands.
The embassy, planned for the Royal Mint Court site opposite the Tower of London, would become the largest Chinese diplomatic precinct in Europe if approved. Its size and sensitive location have drawn criticism from residents, human rights groups, and lawmakers in the UK and US, who argue that incomplete plans may conceal security risks. Beijing has dismissed such concerns as “slander,” urging the UK to approve the project promptly, referencing similar developments for embassies in Beijing.
On Saturday, Tibetan and allied groups staged a protest against the plan. Activists, including members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), contend that China’s explanations are insufficient and urged ministers to reject the proposal without full transparency. The planning consultancy DP9, representing the Chinese government, maintains that submitted details meet planning requirements.
Diplomatically, the embassy issue has overshadowed initial interactions between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping, with security advocates pressing for stronger assurances from Beijing. Critics warn that approving a partially redacted facility near critical infrastructure poses espionage risks and could exacerbate tensions during protests, citing China’s human rights record in Tibet, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang. Beijing counters that the UK is politicising what is a routine planning process. (ANI)
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