China warns UK over delayed London mega embassy decision

Published: 17 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Tensions between the United Kingdom and China have intensified after Beijing expressed strong criticism over further delays to a planning decision on its proposed “mega embassy” in London. The diplomatic row adds complexity to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to reset relations with Beijing amid concerns over espionage and national security.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its “grave concern and strong dissatisfaction” following the announcement that Housing Secretary Steve Reed has postponed the final decision on the embassy proposal until 10 December. The delay comes after months of wrangling over the £255 million site, purchased by Beijing in 2018 near the Tower of London. Tower Hamlets council initially refused planning permission in 2022, and subsequent discussions have been further complicated by security concerns and procedural delays.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, condemned the UK’s handling of the matter during a press briefing in Beijing on Friday. He accused Britain of showing “disregard for contractual spirit, acting in bad faith and without integrity” and said China had acted “with the utmost sincerity and patience.” Lin warned that the UK should “immediately fulfil its obligations and honour its commitments, otherwise the British side shall bear all consequences,” signalling potential diplomatic repercussions if the project does not proceed as China expects.

Starmer has sought to improve relations with Beijing to attract foreign investment and support major UK infrastructure projects. However, his administration has faced multiple hurdles, including two controversies involving alleged Chinese espionage. In one recent case, British citizens Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry were accused of spying for China, though the case collapsed last month, prompting claims of government intervention to protect diplomatic ties.

Further complicating the embassy project, reports suggest that Beijing has been accessing classified British data for several years, raising concerns that the new London embassy could be used to strengthen surveillance capabilities. Matt Western, Labour MP and chair of the joint committee on national security, warned the government in a recent letter that approving the embassy could be “not in the UK’s long-term interest.” He highlighted the strategic risks posed by the proposed location, which lies near fibre-optic cables, data centres, and telecommunications exchanges serving Canary Wharf and the City of London. Western argued that these factors create potential “eavesdropping risks in peacetime and sabotage risks in a crisis.”

The decision-making process has seen multiple changes in personnel. Angela Rayner, then Housing Secretary, initially handled the proposal, but the responsibility passed to Reed days before a September 9 deadline. That deadline was postponed to 21 October after China redacted significant portions of its plans, citing security concerns. Downing Street confirmed this week that the latest delay is unrelated to political considerations but reflects the complex nature of the application and the need to consider all representations thoroughly.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government emphasised that “given the detailed nature of the representations that have been provided, and the need to give parties sufficient opportunity to respond, more time is needed for full consideration of the applications.” The statement suggests that officials are balancing procedural fairness with growing diplomatic pressure from Beijing.

The London mega embassy project has long been a focal point of contention, blending issues of urban planning, national security, and international diplomacy. While China seeks a prominent and modern facility, UK authorities are tasked with ensuring compliance with legal, planning, and security frameworks, a process that has repeatedly delayed the final decision.

As the December deadline approaches, the UK government faces mounting scrutiny both domestically and internationally. Observers note that the embassy row reflects broader tensions in UK–China relations, where commercial interests, security concerns, and geopolitical considerations often intersect. Approval of the project could boost investment ties, but critics warn that it may also compromise security and exacerbate existing espionage risks.

Downing Street maintains that careful evaluation is essential given the embassy’s location and strategic implications. Officials stress that the government’s priority is to ensure that any planning approval safeguards national interests while adhering to planning and legal obligations. At the same time, the UK faces pressure from China, which has repeatedly framed the delays as breaches of trust and contractual commitments.

The situation underscores the delicate balancing act in UK–China relations. Starmer’s government must navigate competing priorities: fostering investment and international engagement while protecting national security and responding to public and parliamentary scrutiny. The embassy row is the latest in a series of diplomatic challenges, highlighting the complex interplay between domestic policy, foreign relations, and national security considerations.

With the new December timeline, all parties now have additional time to submit representations and address outstanding concerns. However, tensions remain high, with Beijing’s warning indicating that further delays or perceived obstruction could escalate diplomatic friction. As the UK weighs its next steps, officials will need to reconcile planning procedures, security assessments, and diplomatic obligations in a situation with potentially far-reaching consequences for bilateral relations.