The Chinese government has reapplied for permission to construct a new 610,000-square-foot diplomatic compound in London.
The project, rejected in 2022 by local planning authorities, will reportedly house an embassy building, 225 residences, and a cultural center.
The first building application faced additional hurdles in Parliament as it came at a time when Beijing was experiencing tensions with the incumbent Conservative government over concerns about China’s espionage activities in the United Kingdom.
Nearby residents also voiced apprehension about the effort, with many fearful that its presence would draw large protest events, affect tourism, increase traffic, and require additional security measures at the proposed Tower Hamlets location.
The new request, submitted shortly after Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power, is seen by some lawmakers as an early attempt by China to measure their relationship with the British leader.
