Chinese and British officials say a local disagreement over China’s ambitions to establish a new embassy near the Tower of London is putting a burden on both countries’ efforts to mend relations
Following China’s announcement in 2018 of plans for a 700,000-square-foot embassy on the historic site of the British Royal Mint, locally elected councillors vetoed them, citing security concerns and a harmful impact on inhabitants.
According to reports, some Chinese officials believe the issue is a British government ploy.
At the same time, their equivalents in the UK look to be stuck between Beijing’s demands and a vigorous local opposition campaign./Reuters