China blasted the UK government for delaying the construction of a huge Chinese Embassy in London. The UK officials clarified that decisions are underway and a planned decision by December 10 would be pushed back to January 20.
China denounced the British government for the delay in deciding whether to approve the construction of a huge Chinese Embassy in London on Wednesday.
The UK officials clarified on Tuesday that decisions are underway and a planned decision by December 10 would be pushed back to January 20, following security concerns in the nation.
“The U.K.’s repeated delay in granting approval is completely unjustified and the reasons they cited are untenable,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, when asked about the development. The government is “strongly dissatisfied,” he added.
Decision postponed
The British government considering the demand said the decision had been postponed to allow more time to consider it.
“The Home Office and Foreign Office have provided views on particular security implications, and have been clear throughout that a decision shouldn’t be taken until we affirm that those considerations have been completed or resolved,” Tom Wells, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said on Tuesday.
Critics suggest the decision is delayed
Critics have suggested that the decision was delayed amid preparations for Starmer’s expected visit to Beijing early next year.
The delay follows growing scrutiny of the UK government in recent weeks over its handling of multiple allegations of Chinese spying.
(With inputs from agencies)
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