China plans to build a complex in London with an area of 576,000 square meters, which is almost twice the size of the Chinese embassy in Washington. At the same time, it will be the largest Chinese embassy in Europe.
Local councilors in London’s East End on Monday rejected the Chinese government’s plans to build a new embassy building. They mainly argue about the security risk that the new Chinese embassy could represent for local residents. TASR informs according to a Reuters report.
The Chinese government bought the historic Royal Mint Court complex six years ago, where it plans to open a new embassy. However, she has not yet obtained the necessary permits for this.
Beijing plans to build a complex with an area of 576,000 square meters on this site, which is almost twice the size of the Chinese embassy in Washington. At the same time, it will be the largest Chinese embassy in Europe, and the Voice of America portal called it a “super-embassy”. In addition to the embassy building itself, the complex will also have 225 residences and a cultural center.
The British government said in October that it, rather than local authorities, would make the final decision on whether to approve China’s request. However, it will also take into account the opinions of the local council and residents. However, the council in the borough of Tower Hamlets voted unanimously against China’s plans on Monday.
Reuters reminds that Chinese officials have already expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in granting the necessary permits to the British government several times. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping have already discussed this topic.
