Local Government Secretary Steve Reed formally signed off on plans for the building near the Tower of London, after years of delays and legal challenges. Critics have long expressed concerns that the supersized embassy,

The UK government approved a new Chinese embassy in London, ending a years-long saga that had strained bilateral relations, and setting the stage for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit Beijing next week.

Critics had warned of a potential threat to national security given the site's proximity to the City of London.

China's plans to build a new embassy on the site of the two-century-old Royal Mint Court near the Tower ‍of London have stalled for three years over ​opposition from local residents, lawmakers and Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners in Britain.

Britain’s government has green-lit plans for China to build a “mega” embassy close to London’s financial district, despite warnings from lawmakers, residents and Chinese dissidents-in-exile that the sprawling complex could pose security risks.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer is expected to visit Beijing early this year, becoming the first UK prime minister to do so since 2018. In a letter, the housing department confirmed that Housing Secretary Steve Reed,

Britain's government gave approval on Tuesday for China to build its largest embassy in Europe in London, hoping to improve ties with Beijing despite British and U.S. politicians' warnings that it could be used as a base for spying.

The UK has approved China’s application to build a “mega” embassy in London despite fierce opposition and concerns over espionage, after security officials said they had devised a range of protective measures.