Starmer Approves Contentious Chinese Mega-Embassy in London

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain approved construction of a Chinese mega-embassy in the heart of London, officials said on Tuesday, rejecting the objections of critics who said the new building will make it easier for China to conduct spying operations.The approval, which comes after months of delays and is subject to technical conditions, means China can proceed toward construction of the embassy on a 5.5-acre site near the London" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="2545" data-entity-type="location">Tower of London. The location was the home of Britain’s Royal Mint for more than 150 years, and the new embassy would be China’s largest in Europe.The decision is likely to disappoint China hawks, dissidents, local residents and some of Mr. Starmer’s own Labour Party lawmakers, all of whom campaigned for more than a year to stop its construction.The announcement could be a diplomatic boost for the prime minister’s efforts to improve relations with China ahead of his first trip to the country while in office, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Mr. Starmer has said he wants to increase investment opportunities with China after years of icy relations between the two countries.This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.