Britain nod to China to build its largest embassy in Europe despite spying fears

22-Jan-2026

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Britain's government gave approval on Jan 20 for China to build its largest embassy in Europe in London, hoping to improve ties with Beijing despite British and US politicians' warnings that it could be used as a base for spying.

The approval was subject to some conditions.

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.