China bought the Royal Mint Court site, a historic site near the Tower of London, in 2018, with the aim of building its largest embassy in Europe, covering about 65,000 square metres, nearly double the size of its embassy in Washington.

Tower Hamlets Council has unanimously rejected the project over security concerns, although the final decision rests with central government. A planning inquiry is due to take place next year, with a decision due by May 2025 at the latest.

Chinese officials have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in licensing, complicating efforts to improve relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered a review of the plan after President Xi Jinping raised the issue during a meeting. The British government under Starmer is pursuing a policy of improving relations with China, seeking economic benefits after a period of tension under previous Conservative governments.

The rejection marks a new challenge in bilateral relations, as the UK must balance its national security interests and its desire to improve relations with China.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters, Straitstimes)