London: The United Kingdom (UK) government has postponed its decision on the establishment of a new Chinese embassy in London until next October, citing the need for additional time to consider the responses.
According to Qatar News Agency, the British Ministry of Housing announced that it will issue a decision on whether to proceed with China's plan to construct its largest embassy in Europe in London by October 21. This decision is delayed from the original date of September 9 due to the need for further consideration of responses and after China declined to fully explain why certain areas in the building's plans were obscured.
Politicians from both the UK and the US have expressed concerns, warning the London government against permitting China to build the embassy on the proposed site, raising fears that it could be used for espionage activities.
A planning consultancy representing the Chinese government stated that the applicant deemed it inappropriate to submit detailed plans of the building's interior layout. The consultancy noted that the additional drawings provided were sufficient after the UK government inquired about the obscured areas in the plans.
The consultancy stated, "In these circumstances, we consider it is neither necessary nor appropriate to provide additional more detailed internal layout plans or details."
Earlier this month, the Chinese embassy in London dismissed allegations that the building might contain secret facilities intended to harm British national security, describing them as despicable slander.
China's plan to build a new embassy on a site near the Tower of London, which includes a two-century-old building, has encountered delays over the past three years. This is due to opposition from local residents, lawmakers, and pro-democracy activists in Britain.