The United Kingdom has approved China's construction of a new embassy in London after plans were stalled for three years due to espionage concerns. This will be the largest Chinese embassy in Europe.
On Tuesday, 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the UK government approved China's plan to build the largest European embassy in London, aiming to strengthen ties with Beijing. This comes despite warnings from politicians in the UK and US that the site could be used as a base for intelligence gathering.
The embassy will be built on the site of the former Royal Mint, which is over two centuries old and located near the Tower of London. However, plans were delayed for three years due to strong opposition from local residents, members of Parliament, and pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong living in the UK.
This decision comes ahead of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's expected visit to China later this month, which would make him the first UK leader to visit China since 2018. Some UK and Chinese officials have indicated that this visit depends on the embassy project’s approval.
Despite security concerns, the UK intelligence agencies involved in the approval process stated that any potential threats can be mitigated or prevented. A government spokesman said in a statement, “National security is our top priority.”
Nevertheless, the protracted process may not end easily as local residents have said they will pursue legal action, arguing the decision could be unlawful if UK officials privately promised China approval before the urban planning process was completed.
China purchased the former Royal Mint land in 2018 for £255 million (approximately 10 billion baht at current exchange rates). China intends to build one of the world's largest diplomatic facilities on the site, with about 55,000 square meters of usable space—nearly ten times larger than the current Chinese embassy building in London.
However, the local council rejected the embassy construction application in 2022 until last year, when President Xi Jinping requested UK Prime Minister Starmer's intervention in the matter.
The UK government took over planning authority last year and established an inquiry in February to hear arguments for and against approving the embassy construction.
Some politicians in the UK and US have argued that China should be banned from building so close to London's historic financial district, fearing it could give Beijing the opportunity to eavesdrop on fiber-optic cables used by financial companies running underground in the area.
The opposition Conservative Party condemned the decision as “shameful cowardice” by a government “completely spineless.”
Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in London issued a brief statement acknowledging the UK government's decision.
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Source:cna