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China has warned of “consequences” for the UK after it accused Sir Keir Starmer’s government of acting “in bad faith” and lacking “integrity” for again delaying a decision on Beijing’s planned mega-embassy in London.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that Beijing was “seriously concerned and strongly dissatisfied” with the UK’s Ministry of Housing’s delay to the embassy’s planning application, pushing back a decision that had been expected next week until December 10.
“We once again urge the UK side to immediately fulfil its obligations and honour its commitments,” said Lin. “Otherwise, the consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the UK side.”
Chinese officials have already retaliated by refusing to approve plans for a much-needed renovation of the British embassy in Beijing.
The latest delay comes as Starmer’s government faces accusations that it undermined a legal case against two British men accused of spying on MPs for Beijing. The release of critical evidence about China in the case earlier this week also drew a sharp rebuke from Beijing.
Plans for the embassy, which would be the largest in Europe and is located opposite the Tower of London on a five-acre site, have caused controversy, with China hawks warning it would pose a significant threat to UK national security.
The project has become a flashpoint in UK-China relations and an obstacle to Starmer’s bid to revive ties with Beijing, after animosity under previous Conservative governments.
“The UK side has demonstrated no sense of contractual obligation, has acted in bad faith and lacks integrity,” Lin told reporters on Friday.
“It has repeatedly delayed approval under various pretexts and added improper conditions, causing the approval process to become increasingly complicated and politicised,” he said.
Lin said the UK had already delayed the project for seven years and that China had shown “utmost sincerity and patience” in multiple rounds of communication on the issue in recent months.
“The UK’s promises and statements about improving China-UK relations are completely inconsistent with its actions,” he said.
Concerns around the Chinese embassy project have focused on its immense scale and fears that the sprawling compound could pose a potential surveillance threat.
In June, the White House said the US was “deeply concerned about providing China with potential access to the sensitive communications of one of our closest allies”.
Beijing had redacted part of the plans for the site that it submitted to planning authorities and refused a request by the UK to give more details.
