China says new UK embassy plan complies with law and diplomatic practice

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL - China said Wednesday that the planning and design of its new embassy in the United Kingdom fully comply with international diplomatic practice and British laws, following London’s approval of the long-delayed project.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said host countries are obligated under international law to support and facilitate the construction of diplomatic premises, according to state-run Global Times.

“The planning and design of the new Chinese Embassy in the UK is a high-quality proposal, and its application, review and final approval have fully complied with established international diplomatic practice as well as local laws, regulations and procedural requirements,” Guo told reporters in Beijing.

His remarks came a day after the British government approved the construction of a large new Chinese embassy in London, ending years of debate marked by political opposition and security concerns.

China purchased the 20,000-square-meter (215,000-square-foot) Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London in 2018 for £225 million ($302 million). Once completed, it is expected to become the largest Chinese embassy in Europe.