Chinese Embassy in the UK: Expresses Strong Dissatisfaction with UK's Repeated Delays in Approval Timeline for New Embassy Building Project

On October 16, the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the UK answered a journalist's question regarding issues related to the new embassy building project.

Journalist: Media reports indicate that the UK Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government has decided to postpone the deadline for approving the planning application for the Chinese Embassy's new building project from October 21 to December 10. What is China's comment on this?

Embassy Spokesperson: We express strong dissatisfaction with the UK side's repeated delays in the approval timeline for the planning of the Chinese Embassy's new building project.

The planning and design proposal for China's new embassy is of high quality and has been highly recognized by local professional institutions. The relevant application complies with diplomatic conventions, local regulations, and procedures. The UK side's repeated postponements of the approval timeline are unfounded and unreasonable.

Providing support and facilitation for the construction of diplomatic premises is an international obligation of the host country. Both China and the UK have the need to build new embassy buildings in each other's capitals, and the two sides should provide mutual convenience. We once again urge the UK side to demonstrate sincerity in resolving the issue and approve China's planning application at an early date.