China’s mega embassy in London gets the green light, clears way for Keir Starmer visit
The prospect that Britain would block the planned new embassy had cast doubt on the prime minister’s planned trip to China this month
Britain on Tuesday approved China’s plan to build a massive new embassy in London, removing a major barrier to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China later this month.
The roughly 65,000 square metre (700,000 sq ft) embassy will be built at the site of the former Royal Mint, near the Tower of London. It will replace the Chinese embassy in central London.
British media reports have said that Starmer would visit Beijing and Shanghai between January 29 and 31. Neither London nor Beijing has officially confirmed the trip, with analysts suggesting the decision hinged on approval for the long-delayed mega embassy in London.
The UK government is also trying to get approval for the redevelopment of its embassy in Beijing.
A confirmed trip would mark the first visit by a British leader to China since 2018.
The project had faced significant opposition from politicians and local residents, who cited a range of concerns, including a heightened espionage risk and the possible harassment of dissidents and protesters by Chinese officials or their proxies.