China has resubmitted its plans to construct a new, large embassy in London, a controversial project that may test how the new Labour government navigates its
relationship with the world’s second-largest economy after years of diplomatic friction.
Beijing submitted the revised planning application to Tower Hamlets Council in July, just weeks after the new government took office on July 5, according to documents available on the council's website.
The planning documents argue that the council’s previous decision to reject the embassy proposal in December 2022, citing security concerns and potential impact on local residents, was "without merit" and lacked a valid basis in planning policy.
China missed the deadline last year to appeal the decision amid strained relations with the then-Conservative government, which was concerned about Chinese cyber-espionage and human rights issues. However, China retained the option to submit a fresh application.
While the Tower Hamlets Council will initially review the new application, the national government could become involved if the council rejects the proposal again and China decides to appeal.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy in London said its "resubmitted plan and design proposal for the new embassy building fully considers the requirements of the UK's building planning policies and the views of all relevant parties."
China has previously accused Britain of exaggerating claims about Chinese espionage and cyberattacks.
Labour, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has prioritized strengthening post-Brexit relations with the European Union but has also committed to conducting an audit of the bilateral relationship with China to better understand and address the challenges and opportunities Beijing presents.
China first announced its intention to build a new London embassy in 2018 as part of its expanding diplomatic presence, purchasing land on the former site of the Royal Mint for approximately £250 million ($318 million).
The proposed embassy would be China’s largest diplomatic mission in Europe and nearly twice the size of its current embassy in Washington, D.C.
This has prompted concerns among some British politicians and security officials, who warned that a larger embassy could facilitate an increase in Chinese espionage activities in the UK, according to officials who spoke to Reuters.
Chinese officials have reportedly expressed frustration with the British government over its lack of assistance in securing planning permission during official meetings.
Earlier this year, British and Chinese officials held at least one meeting to discuss the ongoing dispute, according to sources familiar with the talks. Photo by Chmee2, Wikimedia commons.