China Accuses UK of Lacking 'Credibility and Ethics' Over Embassy Delay

Diplomatic Row Escalates Over London Embassy Project

Beijing has issued a strong rebuke to the United Kingdom, accusing the British government of lacking 'credibility and ethics' following a further delay in approving China's plans for a new, expansive embassy in London. The decision, initially expected by October 21, 2025, has now been pushed back to December 10, 2025, by Housing Secretary Steve Reed.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Friday, October 17, 2025, that the UK had shown 'disregard for contractual spirit, acting in bad faith and without integrity.' He emphasized that China had acted with 'the utmost sincerity and patience' and urged the UK to 'immediately fulfil its obligations and honour its commitments otherwise the British side shall bear all consequences.' The Chinese embassy in London echoed these sentiments on Monday, October 20, 2025, expressing 'strong concern and opposition' to the postponement and accusing the UK of 'constantly complicating and politicising the matter.'

UK Cites Procedural Complexities and Denies Assurances

Downing Street has firmly rejected China's claims of unfulfilled commitments, asserting that the decision-making process is 'quasi-judicial and independent of the rest of government.' A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that 'no such assurance could have been given' regarding the approval of the embassy. The UK government attributed the latest delay to the 'detailed nature' of the planning application and the need for sufficient time to receive input from various government departments.

The proposed embassy, intended to be the largest in Europe, is planned for the Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London. China acquired the 20,000 sq metre (or 600,000 sq ft) site for £255 million in 2018. The project has faced considerable opposition since its inception.

Security Concerns and Diplomatic Tensions

The delay comes amidst significant controversy and heightened security concerns surrounding the proposed embassy. Opponents, including local residents, lawmakers, and Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners, fear the site could become a 'spy hub' for Europe. The parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (JCNSS) urged Housing Secretary Steve Reed to block the plans, arguing that the location's proximity to sensitive financial cables, data centers, and telecoms exchanges in the City of London and Canary Wharf poses 'eavesdropping risks in peacetime and sabotage risks in a crisis.'

Further complicating relations, the postponement coincides with the recent collapse of a trial against two British men accused of spying for China. China had previously submitted redacted designs for the embassy, with large sections 'greyed out' for security reasons, prompting requests from the UK for clarification. The local Tower Hamlets council initially rejected the planning application in 2022, but the central government later 'called in' the decision. Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly raised the issue directly with Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a call in August 2024.

Future Implications

The ongoing dispute over the embassy project highlights the complex and often strained relationship between the UK and China. While the UK government maintains the decision is based on planning law and procedural requirements, China views the repeated delays as a breach of trust and commitment. The outcome of the December 10 decision will significantly impact future diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, with potential repercussions for the UK's own embassy refurbishment plans in Beijing, which China is reportedly holding up.