China has warned the UK of “consequences” amid an escalating row over its delayed application to build a mega-embassy in London.
It comes after the government confirmed it had pushed back a decision on the controversial site for a second time, to 10 December.
On Friday, Beijing’s foreign affairs ministry stated that the delay was “entirely against the UK’s commitments and previous remarks about improving China-UK relations.”
Downing Street said it did not “recognise any claims of commitments or assurances.”
Beijing’s application for the embassy was initially rejected by Tower Hamlets Council in 2022 over safety and security concerns.
However, it was taken over by the UK government’s housing department last year, after China resubmitted an application one month after the Labour Party came to power.
Asked about the latest delay on Friday, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the UK of “constantly complicating and politicising the matter.”
Spokesman Lin Jian said the UK had “repeatedly put off the approval of the project, citing various excuses and linked the project with other issues.”
“That goes entirely against the UK’s commitments and previous remarks about improving China-UK relations,” he added.
“We once again call on the UK to fulfill its obligation and honour its commitments at once; otherwise, the consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the UK side.”
Mr. Downing Street hit back at Mr. Jian’s comments, saying, “We do not recognise any claims of assurances, and I can’t explain the statement they’ve set out.”
The PM’s official spokesman added, “Protecting the UK’s national security is our first duty.
“In terms of the planning process, as set out yesterday, this is a decision that is independent of the rest of the government.”
He added it would not be “appropriate for me to comment further” on a decision being made by the housing department.
China bought the site of the proposed new embassy, at Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London, for £255m in 2018. At 20,000 square metres, the proposed complex would be the biggest embassy in Europe if it goes ahead.
The pending decision on whether to approve the new embassy has attracted scrutiny because of concerns about the security implications of the plan, including the location, size and design of the building.
There are concerns held by some opponents that the site could allow China to infiltrate the UK’s financial system by tapping into nearby fibre optic cables carrying sensitive data for firms in the City of London.
Some residents nearby also fear it would pose a security risk to them and attract large protests.
The proposed complex would include offices, a large basement area, housing for 200 staff, and a new tunnel to connect the Embassy House to a separate building on the embassy grounds.
Sir Keir Starmer said last year that Chinese President Xi Jinping had raised the embassy issue during their first leaders’ phone call in August.
Speaking in November, the prime minister told China’s leader, “You raised the Chinese embassy building when we spoke on the telephone, and we have since taken action by calling in that application.”
“Now we have to follow the legal process and timeline,” Sir Keir added.
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have urged the government to throw out China’s application.
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