China Resubmits Plans for Contested London Embassy Amid Diplomatic Tensions

China has resubmitted plans to build a large new embassy in London. This comes after the initial rejection last year on security grounds. The new application could test relations between the UK and China under the new Labour government. The outcome of the planning application remains uncertain.

China has resubmitted its plans to construct a new large embassy in London, a project that could challenge the Labour government's handling of relations with the world's second-largest economy. Beijing's new planning application was submitted to Tower Hamlets council almost two weeks after the Labour government came into power on July 5.

The council had previously rejected the proposal in December 2022 on security grounds and its potential impact on residents. China missed last year's deadline to appeal the decision amidst tensions over suspicions of Chinese cyber-espionage and human rights. Nevertheless, Beijing always had the option to reapply.

Although the planning application will initially be managed by Tower Hamlets council, the national government might intervene if rejected again. Labour under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has prioritized enhancing post-Brexit relations with the EU and has stated it will audit its bilateral relationship with China. The proposed embassy, announced in 2018, aims to be China's largest diplomatic mission in Europe.

(With inputs from agencies.)