China declared on Wednesday, December 3rd, that it was “strongly dissatisfied” with Britain’s delay in deciding whether to allow its new embassy in London. The decision has been postponed to January 20th next year, after housing minister Steve Reed extended the deadline.
Residents, rights groups, and China critics all worry the embassy—the largest in Britain if built—could be used for spying and harassing dissidents. China’s foreign ministry called the delay “completely unreasonable,” saying the application was submitted years ago.
Beijing bought the former site of the Royal Mint in 2018, for $327 million (€280 million). The UK government said more time was needed because of security concerns.
The decision is important for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to improve relations with China, which remain tense thanks to espionage and conditions in Hong Kong. China called British accusations “groundless.”
