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China criticized the UK government’s latest delay in deciding whether to approve the construction of a huge Chinese embassy on Wednesday London,
British officials said on Tuesday that a decision scheduled for December 10 would be pushed back to January 20 due to growing security concerns.
“The UK’s repeated delays in granting approval are completely unreasonable and the reasons they have given are untenable,” Chini said. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Lin Jian said when asked about the development.
The government is “completely dissatisfied”, he said.
Plans for an embassy close to London’s financial district and sensitive data cables have been stalled for years. The proposed structure, at Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London, would be Europe’s largest embassy, covering 20,000 square meters (about 215,000 square feet).
Critics have raised concerns that the building will be used as a spy base and MPs from all political parties have urged the government to reject the proposal.
The UK government planning agency said the decision had been postponed to allow more time to consider it.
Tom Wales, the Prime Minister’s spokesman, said, “The Home Office and the Foreign Office have provided views on the particular security implications, and have made it clear that no decisions should be made until we confirm that those views have been met or resolved.” keir starmerSaid on Tuesday.
Critics have suggested the decision was delayed amid preparations for Starmer’s expected visit. Beijing Early next year.
The delay follows increased scrutiny of the British government in recent weeks over its handling of multiple allegations of Chinese spying.