China expected to get London embassy go-ahead this week after years of wrangling

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Amy Hawkins Senior China correspondentJanuary 19, 2026 at 07:00 AM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A decision is expected this week on China's application to build a large embassy complex in London on the Royal Mint Court site, a project initiated in 2018. China purchased the land for £255 million, but the initial application faced obstacles when Tower Hamlets council refused planning permission. The delay has reportedly strained UK-China relations, with China viewing the complications as a breach of faith and linking it to the UK's own embassy redevelopment in Beijing. High-level discussions, including a call between Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer, have highlighted the importance China places on the embassy issue. Approval of the application would likely pave the way for the UK to proceed with its own embassy plans in Beijing.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Wang Yi 30% Tower Hamlets council 30% Keir Starmer 40% Steve Tsang ×240% Boris Johnson ×240% Xi Jinping 50% Beijing ×560% UK ×370% London ×580% China ×1090%

Keywords

china embassy 100% uk-china relations 80% planning application 70% diplomatic complex 60% london 50% beijing 50% royal mint court 40% tower hamlets council 40%