UK clears plan for China’s biggest embassy in Europe
Britain has approved China’s plan to build its largest embassy in Europe on the Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London, ending a three year planning deadlock. The decision comes despite warnings from some British and U.S. politicians that the complex could boost Chinese espionage activities in the UK. The government took over the planning process after the local council rejected Beijing’s application in 2022, and an inquiry was held last year to review the project. Officials said all material considerations were assessed and that the approval is now final unless overturned in court. The move is expected to smooth the way for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s planned visit to China, the first by a British leader since 2018. Chinese President Xi Jinping had previously asked Starmer to intervene, and both sides viewed the embassy decision as key […]