Beijing has made another attempt to construct a “super embassy” in London, as the Chinese embassy has submitted a development application to the Tower Hamlets council. This move comes just 10 days after the Labour Party took over Downing Street. In December 2022, local authorities had rejected a previous attempt to turn the old Royal Mint into the largest diplomatic hub in the UK due to events and demonstrations at Chinese diplomatic locations.
The Chinese embassy has criticized the Conservative administration, claiming that they failed to act before the deadline by not filing an appeal within the allotted period last year.
“We are committed to establishing a modern embassy in London that can effectively serve as a bridge between our two nations,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy. They added that they believe their application followed all necessary rules and guidelines despite last year’s decision by the local council.
The Tower Hamlets council confirmed that they have received the revised planning application and will thoroughly review it, taking into account concerns raised by local residents and its impact on the surrounding community.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the potential impact of a large-scale embassy building. One anonymous neighbor mentioned worries about its effects on property prices and traffic, urging for these issues to be given top priority by the council.
The rejection of the previous proposal by local authorities led to demonstrations from groups and individuals supporting China. These events included clashes between police officers and demonstrators. With this new planning proposal under review, police officials now face difficulties in controlling demonstrations and ensuring public safety.
Dr. Jane Thompson, an expert in international relations, shared her perspective on this matter: “Building a super embassy is a significant project with various consequences. The government and local council must consider both its potential effects on diplomatic relations as well as its impact on the local population.”
