UK rejects Chinese embassy 'commitment' claims after threats

The row over the proposed Chinese embassy has added to the Government’s difficulties as it attempts to thaw relations with Beijing (Peter Byrne/PA) Peter Byrne

Downing Street has firmly rejected Chinese claims that Britain is failing to honour commitments over a proposed new embassy in London. The rebuke comes after Housing Secretary Steve Reed delayed the planning decision until December 10, further prolonging the controversial application process.

The decision prompted sharp condemnation from Beijing, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian threatening unspecified consequences. He accused the UK of lacking "the spirit of contract, credibility and ethics" while "complicating and politicising the matter".

Lin Jian said China had shown "utmost sincerity and patience" over the decision. He added: "That goes entirely against the UK's commitments and previous remarks about improving China-UK relations. We once again call on the UK to fulfil its obligation and honour its commitments at once, otherwise the consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the UK side."

UK pushes back on Chinese claims

A Downing Street spokesman firmly rejected Beijing's accusations, stating the UK did not "recognise any claims of commitments or assurances" over the embassy application. The response marks a clear diplomatic pushback against Chinese pressure over the planning process.

Parliament's Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy has urged Reed to reject Beijing's application for the new embassy at the former Royal Mint site near the Tower of London. Committee chairman Matt Western argued that approving the plans was "not in the UK's long-term interest".

Security concerns intensify opposition

Western highlighted significant security risks posed by the embassy's proximity to communications networks and data centres. He noted reports of planned basement rooms and tunnels, raising further intelligence concerns about the proposed facility.

Security services have reportedly warned that allowing Beijing to establish what would become the biggest embassy in Europe could create a hub for expanded "intelligence-gathering and intimidation operations". The location's sensitive nature has intensified parliamentary opposition to the project.

Conservative leader attacks Starmer

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has seized on the embassy row to attack Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's approach to national security. She said the row shows Starmer was "not looking after national security enough".

Badenoch demanded stronger leadership from the Prime Minister, stating: "What the Prime Minister needs to do is show some backbone. He is being weak, kowtowing to China." Her criticism adds domestic political pressure to the already complex diplomatic situation.

The embassy controversy adds to ongoing diplomatic tensions as the Government attempts to rebuild relations with Beijing. The dispute comes amid continued scrutiny over how a recent case against two alleged Chinese spies collapsed, complicating efforts to normalise UK-China relations.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.