UK delays decision on China embassy at Royal Mint Court to December

The UK government has again delayed a decision on China’s application to build a large new embassy at Royal Mint Court in central London, announcing on Thursday that Housing Secretary Steve Reed will rule on the proposal by 10 December. Beijing condemned the postponement and warned of unspecified consequences, while UK ministers said the extra time is needed to consider detailed security representations.

The site, beside the Tower of London, was purchased by China in 2018 for £255 million. The proposed complex would cover roughly 20,000 square metres and, if approved, become one of the largest diplomatic compounds in Europe. Ministers took the planning decision out of Tower Hamlets council’s hands after the local authority refused permission in 2022; the deadline has been extended twice, most recently from 21 October to 10 December, and was originally expected in September.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing had "grave concern and strong dissatisfaction" at the delay and urged the UK to "fulfill its obligations and honour its commitments; otherwise the British side shall bear all consequences." UK officials said the government has sought full, unredacted...